Evanston Parents Demand Answers After District 65 Staff Indictments

Two former employees face child sex abuse charges, leaving families confused and seeking clarity from school officials.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:11am

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An extreme close-up of a pair of handcuffed hands, the metal cuffs reflecting a harsh, direct flash of light against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the serious criminal allegations against the former school district employees.The shocking child sex abuse charges against two former District 65 employees have left Evanston families demanding more transparency and accountability.Chicago Today

Parents at Washington Elementary in Evanston, Illinois are outraged after two former Evanston/Skokie School District 65 employees, Assistant Principal Carlos Mendez and Paraprofessional Maribel Flores-Hernandez, were indicted on child sex abuse charges. Families say the district's communication has been murky and unsatisfying, leaving them 'flying blind' as they try to understand the situation and talk to their children.

Why it matters

The allegations have shaken the community, with parents expressing deep concern over the district's handling of the case and calling for clearer protocols on how such serious allegations are communicated to families. The case has also raised broader questions about staff vetting and oversight in the district.

The details

Mendez and Flores-Hernandez were arrested in early February and formally indicted in Cook County in early March on charges including aggravated criminal sexual abuse and criminal sexual assault of a family member under 18. The couple allegedly abused an underage family member over a two-year period and had an additional alleged incident during a trip to Miami. District 65 placed Mendez on leave in October 2025 after receiving a DCFS notification, and the school board voted to approve his suspension and dismissal in February 2026.

  • In December 2025, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services issued 'indicated findings' against the couple.
  • On October 28, 2025, District 65 placed Mendez on leave after receiving a DCFS notification.
  • On February 5, 2026, Mendez and Flores-Hernandez were arrested.
  • On March 4, 2026, the couple was formally indicted in Cook County.
  • On February 23, 2026, the District 65 school board voted to approve the 'suspension and dismissal of an administrator', referring to Mendez.

The players

Carlos Mendez

A former assistant principal at Evanston/Skokie School District 65 who was indicted on child sex abuse charges.

Maribel Flores-Hernandez

A former paraprofessional at Evanston/Skokie School District 65 who was indicted on child sex abuse charges along with Mendez.

Angel Turner

The superintendent of Evanston/Skokie School District 65 who informed families of Mendez's termination.

Karen Jimenez

A parent at Washington Elementary in Evanston who expressed outrage and said her family 'cried' over the revelations.

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What they’re saying

“Honestly, we cried.”

— Karen Jimenez, Washington Elementary Parent

“The allegations do not involve District 65 students and legal limits restrict what the district can share.”

— District 65 Officials

What’s next

The criminal case remains active in Cook County, and parents and staff say they will be watching closely to see how the board and district respond as the legal process unfolds.

The takeaway

This case has shaken the Evanston community and raised serious concerns about the district's communication and transparency around the allegations. Parents are demanding clearer protocols for how the district alerts families and follows up when serious staff misconduct occurs, in order to support students and rebuild trust.