04/29/2026
College of Lake County Board Issues Statement Regarding Employee Arrest and Announces Immediate Actions
This evening, the Board acknowledges College of Lake County employee, Adam Faulkner, a College and Career Navigator, and his arrest in connection with criminal charges related to grooming and solicitation of high school students at Wauconda High School. The college regrets the impact of these charges on students, families and communities. The College has cooperated with the Wauconda Police Department in the investigation into this situation.
On April 16, the College removed Faulkner from the school premises and placed him on administrative leave effective immediately, directing him not to have contact with CLC or high school students. He is currently in law enforcement custody awaiting trial. He has since been terminated from employment with the College of Lake County.
Prior to being hired, all college employees undergo a criminal background check. This process was completed at the time of Faulkner’s hire. The College is conducting a comprehensive internal review of its background check and hiring processes, including the circumstances around Faulkner’s hiring and employment.
For now, the College of Lake County has taken the following actions:
Paused temporarily all College and Career navigation in-person services at the high schools pending verification or completion of fingerprint-based background checks.
Required a high school counselor, parent/guardian to be present in requested virtual appointments with high school students under the age of 18, pending verification of a completed fingerprint-based background check.
Engaged in the identification of any gaps or changes needed in the background check processes for College employees placed in high schools or otherwise.
The College recognizes the seriousness of these allegations and the concern they have caused for students, families, and our community. Dr. Derrick Harden, Vice President of Strategic Advancement, is the College’s point of contact related to this matter.
