Evanston school administrator, childcare worker charged with child sexual abuse

Prosecutors say the pair sexually abused two children over a two-year period

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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An assistant principal and an Early Childhood staff member at Evanston/Skokie School District 65 were arrested and charged last week after reports they acted together to sexually abuse two children over a period spanning two years. The state of Florida has also issued arrest warrants for the pair on criminal charges for sexual assault.

Why it matters

The allegations against the school employees have shaken the Evanston community and raised concerns about the safety of children in the district's care. The case highlights the importance of thorough background checks and ongoing monitoring of school personnel to protect vulnerable students.

The details

Carlos M. Mendez, 51, the assistant principal, and Maribel Flores-Hernandez, 34, a paraprofessional, were charged with multiple felony counts of child sexual abuse. Prosecutors say the pair first began abusing a 13-year-old relative of Flores-Hernandez in 2023, and later abused another 14-year-old child during a family vacation in Miami. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services was notified about the abuse in October 2025, leading to the arrests.

  • In August 2023, Mendez and Flores-Hernandez allegedly began abusing a 13-year-old relative of Flores-Hernandez.
  • In June 2025, Mendez and Flores-Hernandez allegedly sexually abused another 14-year-old child during a family vacation in Miami.
  • On October 25, 2025, a relative of Flores-Hernandez notified the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services about the abuse of the first child.
  • On October 28, 2025, Chicago police were notified about the case, and on October 29, Evanston police were informed.
  • On February 5, 2026, Mendez and Flores-Hernandez were arrested at Mendez's home in Chicago.

The players

Carlos M. Mendez

A 51-year-old assistant principal at Evanston/Skokie School District 65 who has been charged with multiple felony counts of child sexual abuse.

Maribel Flores-Hernandez

A 34-year-old paraprofessional at the Joseph E. Hill Early Childhood Center in Evanston/Skokie School District 65 who has been charged with multiple felony counts of child sexual abuse.

Evanston/Skokie School District 65

The school district where Mendez and Flores-Hernandez were employed, which has placed both employees on leave and stated that the allegations are unrelated to their professional responsibilities and do not involve any district students.

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What they’re saying

“Mr. Mendez looks forward to presenting his evidence in court and clearing his name of the allegations that have been made against him.”

— John Curnyn, Mendez's attorney (Chicago Tribune/Pioneer Press)

“They are very serious, but he is confident that he will be able to present evidence to show that he is innocent.”

— John Curnyn, Mendez's attorney (Chicago Tribune/Pioneer Press)

What’s next

Mendez and Flores-Hernandez are scheduled to appear in court on February 25 at the George N. Leighton Criminal Courthouse in Chicago.

The takeaway

This case highlights the critical importance of thorough background checks and ongoing monitoring of school personnel to protect vulnerable students. The allegations have shaken the Evanston community and underscore the need for robust safeguards to prevent such abuses from occurring in the future.