Assistant principal of D65's Washington Elementary charged with sexual abuse of child

Carlos Mendez, who was previously cleared of inappropriate behavior, was arrested and charged with aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a child

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The assistant principal of an elementary school in Evanston-Skokie Community Consolidated School District 65, who had previously been accused and cleared of inappropriate behavior, was arrested last week and charged with sexually abusing a child. Carlos Mendez, 51, was charged with aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a child, domestic battery and being a fugitive from justice with an out-of-state warrant.

Why it matters

This case raises serious concerns about the safety and well-being of children in the school district, as well as questions about the district's handling of previous allegations against Mendez and its transparency with parents. It also highlights the ongoing challenges schools face in properly vetting and monitoring staff, especially those in positions of authority over students.

The details

Mendez was arrested on February 5th by Chicago police. The sexual-abuse charge only identifies the victim as older than 5 years of age, and further details around the alleged assault, including how the victim was connected to Mendez, were not immediately provided. Mendez had previously been assigned to a leave of absence in 2023 when a Washington Elementary School parent made accusations of inappropriate behavior, but he was cleared of those allegations after a district and state investigation.

  • Mendez was arrested on February 5, 2026.
  • Mendez is expected to appear in court on February 25, 2026.

The players

Carlos Mendez

The 51-year-old former assistant principal of Washington Elementary School in Evanston-Skokie Community Consolidated School District 65, who was previously accused and cleared of inappropriate behavior.

Evanston-Skokie Community Consolidated School District 65

The school district that employed Mendez as the assistant principal of Washington Elementary School.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Unfortunately, based on false information, an email was sent to the district by a parent who decided to attack me and accuse me of something that is not true.”

— Carlos Mendez, Former assistant principal (Evanston RoundTable)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on February 25th whether or not to allow Carlos Mendez to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the critical need for thorough background checks, ongoing monitoring, and transparent communication with parents when it comes to school staff, especially those in positions of authority over children. The district's previous handling of allegations against Mendez has raised serious questions about its commitment to student safety.