Sports

Misdemeanor Charges Filed Against Maine West Soccer Coach

A former Maine West High School soccer coach, Michael Divincenzo, faces multiple misdemeanor charges related to reports of hazing at the Des Plaines high school, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.

 

Michael Divincenzo, the former varsity boys soccer coach named in a bullying and hazing lawsuit filed by current and former students and their families, was charged on May 15 with multiple misdemeanor charges related to the reports of hazing incidents, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.

The criminal charges are separate from the civil lawsuit, which was filed by four current and former students. Antonio Romanucci, an attorney representing the students and their families, released the following statement in response to the criminal charges filed against Divincenzo:

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"The fact that Coach Divincenzo has been criminally charged brings no joy to the families whose children were brutally sexually abused while educators stood idly by allowing it to happen.  It does, however, bring vindication and relief to all those involved that justice is being served and there will be accountability.  No child should ever be a victim of sexual abuse, and this is one more step in the prevention of any heinous acts towards our children.

All of the families involved are grateful at the tremendous work of the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, and especially Anita Alvarez and her team for the countless hours they put into this endeavor and for giving this case the dignity it deserved."

Find out what's happening in Des Plaineswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

 

Related:

  • Lawyer: Hazing Report Missing Key Information
  • Hazing Investigator Reports D-207 Response Appropriate
  • Hazing Prevention Seminar Planned for Maine Township


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