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Teacher Charged With Sexually Exploiting Child
A Niles North High School cheerleading coach is charged with sexual misconduct involving a student.
Jeffrey Tackes, who lives in Bensenville, has resigned from Niles Township High School District 219. He is accused of coercing a child younger than 17 to remove her clothing for his sexual arousal or gratification, a Class A misdemeanor, according to police.
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Bensenville police charged a Niles North teacher and cheerleading coach with sexual misdemeanor exploitation of a child Monday.
The teacher, Jeffrey Tackes, who lives in Bensenville, has resigned from Niles Township High School District 219. He is accused of coercing a child younger than 17 to remove her clothing for his sexual arousal or gratification, a Class A misdemeanor, according to police.
“We take all allegations of this type very seriously, and we have been in communication with students who might have any relevant information, as well as their parents,” said Niles North Principal Dr. Ryan McTague.
District 219 is cooperating with the Bensenville Police Department, which arrested Tackes, as well as the Skokie Police Department and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, according to a statement on its website.
Tackes taught math at the high school and also coached the varsity cheerleading squad.
“Our number one priority is the safety and security of our students, and our student services team members are ready to respond to any level of student need,” said Principal McTague.
The female victim reported the abuse, which allegedly occurred in December 2010, according to police.
District 219's website statement encourages anyone with further information to call Bensenville Police Department Chief Frank Kosman at 630-594-1170.
Note - We should have a mugshot from police come Wednesday morning.
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Will Stokes
11:33 am on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Misdemeanor? Allegedly happened more than 1 year ago?
Anyone smell something fishy in these charges?
Mary
9:29 am on Thursday, February 16, 2012
I think there is something strange going on.
Ann Gold
6:41 pm on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Intersting that his mom works for the superintendant.
Clarence Darrow
6:06 pm on Friday, February 17, 2012
Which superintendent does his mom work for?
Someone with a Brain
7:28 pm on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Misdemeanor? Allegedly happened more than 1 year ago?
Anyone smell something fishy in these charges?
Maybe it took the CHILD time to mature and realize the gravity and true abuse in this situation. He obviously EXPLOITED the situation and took advantage of a minor
A fair fighter
10:52 pm on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
I have known this man both personally and professionally for quiet some time and this just makes me sad. He truly is an amazing teacher and coach and these accusations seem just crazy to me. He truly is a great, caring person and while I don't take situations of this matter lightly at all, I hope when everyone reads this, they remember that there are 2 sides to every story. His entire life was ripped away from him over night and people need to remember that we are always quick to judge before knowing all the facts. Innocent until proven otherwise. I stand behind you Jeff and believe in you! And if I am criticized for it, so be it!
Mary
9:27 am on Thursday, February 16, 2012
I agree with the above statement. There are two sides to every story and it seems that once the accusations were made the media was all over the story but has not gathered all the information. The media seems to be sensationalizing this story starting out the headlines that he is a Niles North teacher making you think this is something that happened at the school or with a student at the school, which it did not. I think that all the facts need to be presented before everyone makes accusations.
Judi Cornfield
12:35 pm on Thursday, February 16, 2012
Anyone can make allegations against another person. If he wasn't guilty, why did he resign? Also, why did this student wait over a year to say anything? Something isn't right here.
John Swift
12:44 pm on Thursday, February 16, 2012
I knew Jeff years ago when he was involved in a Catholic Youth Organization. I felt he was kind of creepy then actually. You can still see some of his involvement with a Google search. Somebody should look at his involvement in that organization as it gave him access to minors there as well.
Clarence Darrow
6:03 pm on Friday, February 17, 2012
In what way was he "creepy?" Just curious. Thanks.
jsjs
3:50 pm on Thursday, February 16, 2012
I am surprised it took the girl so long to report this incident but I would also not be surprised if it were true. I was involved in Allstar Cheer for several years and came to a point of looking for a new gym. I would not even consider the gym he co-owns. The staff and teams just ooze with inappropriateness on so many levels.
Clarence Darrow
6:04 pm on Friday, February 17, 2012
jsjs:
Can you give an example of the "inappropriateness" that you saw Mr. Tackes exhibit? Just curious. Thanks.
A fair fighter
3:55 pm on Thursday, February 16, 2012
The school suspended him from his positions, pending the investigation. He didn't have a choice in the matter. As usual, the media is blowing what I believe to be a false accusation way out of control and once Jeff is doin innocent, it is already going to be too late because people who don't have all the facts have already made their judgements on him. It's a shame because as i mentioned before, jeff is a great teacher and coach and now he will never be able to do either of those things again, regardless of the outcome of this terrible situation.
JD Salinger
1:31 am on Monday, February 27, 2012
He got his job how? NOT NEPOTISM not at d219. His mom is the executive secretary for the Superindendent. Imagine that!