Ex-custodian takes plea deal

A former custodian at Mundelein's Mechanics Grove Elementary School was placed on probation for two years after pleading guilty to kissing two girls at the school.

Kendrick Ingram, 39, of 2322 Jethro Ave., Zion, admitted to a charge of aggravated battery during a hearing before Circuit Judge Fred Foreman on Monday.

Police said Ingram, who was working at the school through a temporary agency, kissed a 6-year-old girl and her 9-year-old sister sometime during the week of June 4, 2006.

At least one of the incidents was witnessed by another student who told his parents about it.

The parents then notified school officials who called police.

Ingram was originally charged with aggravated criminal sexual abuse, which carries a maximum of seven years in prison, and aggravated battery, which carries a maximum punishment of five years.

Assistant State's Attorney Dan Kleinhubert said he agreed to accept a guilty plea to the lesser offense in order to spare the children the trauma of a trial.

Foreman accepted the agreement only after being assured the parents of the children were in agreement, and Ingram's probation would be supervised by the county's sex offender unit.

A lawsuit filed against the school and the temporary agency who sent him to work there is pending.