College of Lake County career counselor faces grooming charges involving Wauconda High School students

A college and career navigator employed by the College of Lake County and working at Wauconda High School has been charged with grooming and solicitation of two female students.

Adam C. Faulkner, 42, of Island Lake, was taken into custody Thursday after a traffic stop for driving on a revoked license just before authorities searched his home, according to Wauconda police.

Faulkner is charged with two counts each of solicitation of child sexual abuse material and grooming, both felonies, and, indecent solicitation of a child.

A judge Friday ordered Faulkner held in Lake County jail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 14.

Wauconda police said undisclosed evidence found during a search of Faulkner's home led to the charges. Wauconda and Island Lake police were assisted by Lake County Sheriff's office police dog, Enzo, who is trained in detecting electronics.

Wauconda police on April 16 were made aware of allegations of inappropriate conduct involving a CLC staff member employed by the college to provide college and career services at Wauconda High School.

A student reported the matter to Wauconda Unit District 118 officials who notified police, said Det.. Sgt. Heather Cognac, public information officer. Cognac said Faulkner reportedly was soliciting photos and videos from the females in exchange for monetary gifts.

On Friday, CLC said Faulkner was placed on administrative leave the same day in response to information received from Wauconda police. He has not been on college or school district property since, the college said in a news release.

Faulkner also was directed not to have any contact or communicate in any way with any CLC or high school students, according to the college.

CLC said the college will also conduct an investigation as soon as permitted.

Details concerning the allegations or Faulkner's tenure or role at Wauconda High School were not released. A college spokesperson Friday afternoon said there was no additional information to provide.

Wauconda police in a press release Tuesday noted an ongoing investigation involving a contracted CLC staff member who provided services at the high school.

Detail was not provided but police at the time said there was no ongoing threat to students or staff.