Inverness swim instructor accused of abusing girls

A 22-year-old Inverness man has been charged with sexually abusing two young girls during swimming lessons at the Buehler YMCA in Palatine.

Kevin E. Skowron, of the 1800 block of West Ashbury Lane, appeared Monday morning at a court hearing in Rolling Meadows, where bond was set at $350,000. He was still in custody as of late Monday, the Cook County Sheriff's office said.

Police say the swimming instructor inappropriately touched one of the girls near the pool Saturday morning. Police were called to the scene at 9:37 a.m. on reports of an altercation after the girl's father learned of the allegation and punched Skowron in the face.

The father does not face any charges, authorities said.

Authorities said Skowron was already under investigation in connection to a separate incident involving another girl in October. In that case, the alleged victim could not identify Skowron as the offender, and witnesses were unable to provide any information, authorities said. Palatine police had been working with the Cook County state's attorney's sex crimes unit.

Police said Skowron confessed to his involvement in both cases.

Buehler YMCA Executive Director Laura Brown said authorities were immediately called after staff heard of the allegations.

"The safety of the children and families is of our utmost concern," said Brown. "We obviously don't have convicted felons working for us."

Brown declined to comment on the status of Skowron's employment or why he was allowed to continue teaching while authorities investigated the incident in October.

Skowron was charged with predatory criminal sexual assault for Saturday's incident, and aggravated criminal sexual abuse in connection the alleged sexual contact last month.

Skowron is due back in court Dec. 19.