Two Evanston School District Employees Charged with Child Sex Crimes

Carlos Mendez and Maribel Flores-Hernandez accused of abusing their own children

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Two employees of Evanston-Skokie School District 65 in Illinois have been arrested and charged with aggravated sexual abuse for allegedly engaging in sexual misconduct with their own children, a 13-year-old girl and a 13-year-old boy, over a period of several years. Carlos Mendez, an assistant principal, and Maribel Flores-Hernandez, a paraprofessional, are facing charges and have been placed on leave from their positions.

Why it matters

The allegations against these school district employees are deeply disturbing and raise serious concerns about the safety and wellbeing of children in the community. The charges also highlight the need for thorough background checks and ongoing monitoring to prevent such abuses from occurring, especially when involving individuals entrusted with the care of young students.

The details

According to court documents, Mendez and Flores-Hernandez are accused of sexually abusing Flores-Hernandez's 13-year-old daughter starting in 2023 and continuing for two more years. The duo also has outstanding warrants in Miami for the alleged sexual abuse of Mendez's 13-year-old son. A total of three children have reported being abused by the pair.

  • On February 5, 2026, Mendez and Flores-Hernandez were arrested.
  • The alleged abuse of Flores-Hernandez's daughter began in 2023 and continued for two more years.
  • The pair also face outstanding warrants in Miami for the alleged abuse of Mendez's son.

The players

Carlos Mendez

An assistant principal at Washington Elementary School in the Evanston-Skokie School District 65.

Maribel Flores-Hernandez

A paraprofessional at the Joseph Hill Early Childhood Center in the Evanston-Skokie School District 65.

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What’s next

Mendez and Flores-Hernandez are scheduled to appear in court on February 25, 2026, where a judge will determine whether to allow them to be released on bail.

The takeaway

These disturbing allegations against school district employees underscore the critical need for robust background checks, ongoing monitoring, and strict protocols to protect children from abuse, especially in settings where adults are entrusted with their care and wellbeing.