Woodland Dist. 50 bus driver accused of molesting teen

A Woodland Elementary District 50 bus driver has been charged with molesting a teenage girl who isn't a student at Gurnee-based school system, authorities said.

Kristin Miks, 32, of the 33000 block of Sunset Avenue in unincorporated Wildwood, faces two counts of criminal sexual assault and four counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, Lake County sheriff's police Sgt. Sara Balmes announced Wednesday. Balmes said Miks was freed from the Lake County jail after posting 10 percent of a $150,000 bond.

Balmes said Miks molested a 15-year-old girl. Sheriff's police were called after the victim's mother found several social media messages from Miks to her daughter referring to the sexual encounters, Balmes said.

Miks has been suspended as a bus driver for District 50, where she's been employed for five years, officials said. Balmes said the victim was not a Woodland student and did not encounter Miks through her job as a school bus driver.

In a statement, District 50 officials said they were notified last month that Miks was the focus of a criminal investigation, and she was immediately suspended, pending its outcome. Woodland's administration and school board were informed Wednesday that Miks had been charged and is “taking appropriate action with regard to the staff member.”

“Woodland will continue to work cooperatively with the Lake County sheriff's office regarding this matter,” the district said.

Sheriff Mark Curran complimented District 50's assistance in the probe.

“I especially thank ... District 50 for their exemplary cooperation as well as their candor and transparency,” Curran said.

Miks, who was arrested Tuesday, is to appear in Lake County circuit court for a hearing June 12.