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Social worker accused of attacking special ed student

Authorities say a social worker has been charged after making unwanted physical contact with a student at a Special Education District of Lake County building.

John Gulino, 60, of the 1700 block of Riverwood Drive in Algonquin, was charged with three counts of misdemeanor battery in connection with the incident the student reported to SEDOL officials Oct. 18. Gulino is free after posting $1,000 bail.

Lake County sheriff's police said Gulino attacked a 19-year-old student at Cyd Lash Academy in unincorporated Gages Lake. Police said the student reported Gulino rubbed her shoulders, grabbed and squeezed a hip and massaged his private area against her body.

Police said Gulino attacked the teenager in a classroom during the school day. SEDOL placed Gulino on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, according to authorities.

Cyd Lash administrators immediately notified the sheriff's police when the teen relayed the accusations Oct. 18. Gulino was charged Tuesday.

SEDOL is a cooperative education system that works with 35 school districts to serve mentally, physically and emotionally challenged pupils.

Cyd Lash Academy is an alternative high school setting. Cyd Lash students are placed in a treatment program designed to meet their academic, behavioral and emotional needs.

Classrooms are self-contained and typically have 12 students, a teacher and a paraprofessional.

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