Wauconda school official denies molesting girl

A Wauconda school board member pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges he molested a 14-year-old girl.

Nicholas Batson, 45, faces up to seven years in prison if convicted of aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

Lake County Assistant State's Attorney Ken LaRue said Batson is accused of fondling the girl at his home at 25753 W. Ivanhoe Road on Dec. 5.

Batson, who was elected to the Wauconda Unit District 118 board in 2005, was arrested Dec. 10 after an investigation by the Lake County Sheriff's Office.

Police said Batson, who is a licensed physical therapist in Wisconsin and Illinois, had been running a physical therapy clinic for children at his home.

He has also worked as a volunteer for the Special Olympics since 1987 and is the former youth director for Wauconda Federated Church.

Circuit Judge George Bridges scheduled a trial of the case for April 7. He ordered Batson, who is free after posting $10,000 for bond, to appear in court March 17.