Former Antioch Township emergency volunteer accused of inappropriately touching woman, pleads not guilty
A 66-year-old former Antioch Township emergency services volunteer pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor battery after being accused of inappropriately touching a female employee of the Antioch Rescue Squad.
The charge against Robert Wonderling, of Lake Villa, stems from his April 10 arrest at the First Fire Protection District of Antioch fire house in the 24000 block of Grass Lake Road.
His attorney, Charles Smith, would not comment after the arraignment hearing before Judge Joseph Waldeck.
Wonderling remains free after posting the required 10 percent of his $1,000 bail.
He was at the Grass Lake Road fire house serving in a volunteer emergency services role for Antioch Township when he allegedly made the inappropriate contact with the unidentified rescue squad employee, authorities said.
The employee reported it to higher ranking adviser on the rescue squad, who told ARS Chief Brian DeKind, authorities said. DeKind ordered sheriff deputies to be called and charges were filed against Wonderling, authorities said.
Wonderling, who was appointed as public services liaison to the township board by Antioch Township Supervisor Steve Smouse, was relieved of his duties after charges were filed, officials said.
Wonderling is due back in court June 19.