Accused District 118 board member won't step down

A school district board member accused of sexually abusing a teenage relative says he is not resigning his position with the district and will fight the charges in court.

Nicholas Batson, 45, on Thursday attended his first Wauconda Community Unit School District 118 board meeting since he was arrested Dec. 10 and charged with two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

After the arrest, the Lake County sheriff's office said there was no evidence that Batson had any improper contact with children as a result of his position on the board.

Batson arrived late and did not make an official statement to fellow board members Thursday night.

After the meeting, Batson said he did not see a reason to step down.

"It shouldn't affect my job here," Batson said, saying he would plead innocent. "I will deal with the charges, my attorneys will deal with the charges."

Batson said there was no more to update in the case.

"You know as much as I do," he said.

The sheriff's office said at the time of Batson's arrest that a relative had reported the alleged abuse on Dec. 5.

Batson was elected to a 4-year term on the school board in 2005 and holds licenses to practice physical therapy in Illinois and Wisconsin. The Wauconda Township resident faces up to 14 years in prison if he is convicted on the charges.