Special Education District of Lake County sued by family of sex abuse victim

Parents of a disabled student have sued the Special Education District of Lake County, calling out officials for failing to protect their daughter from a former employee who was charged in December with sexual assault and abuse.

Israel Suaste-Gonzalez, of the 19000 block of Cambridge Road near Mundelein, was arrested in December and charged with four counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault, four counts of criminal sexual assault and one count of aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

Suaste-Gonzalez, who was 49 at the time of his arrest, was removed from his position and suspended without pay after police notified the district of the criminal investigation against him. He remains in Lake County jail on a $2 million bond.

Attorney Patrick Salvi said the lawsuit alleges the district failed to enforce its policy that male teachers should never be alone with female students for any amount of time. In addition, he said the district failed to train staff about the prevention of sexual abuse, to enforce sexual abuse prevention policies and more.

"It isn't easy to report sexual abuse, especially when the abuser is in a position of power," Salvi said. "Unfortunately, this innocent young lady has suffered severe emotional distress from these horrific acts. We strongly believe SEDOL is responsible for her being victimized."

A representative from the district did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the lawsuit.

Suaste-Gonzalez is due back in court on April 6. His trial is currently set for April 27.