Another Local School Employee Faces Sex Abuse Charges

wrapped up a six-month long investigation Thursday by arresting a former teaching assistant who is accused of sex abuse.

Deborah J. Cox, 58, of the 5S200 block of Scots Drive in , has been charged with two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse stemming from a tip officers received Aug. 28, according to a news release.

The arrest is the second of its kind in about a week. staff member John Carbonaro, 33, of Warrenville, was arrested Feb. 23 after police said an investigation found that he a 16-year-old girl at the school.

The most recent sex abuse report alleged Cox had an inappropriate relationship with a student who graduated in 2010 from the high school.

"The aide had been a personal academic tutor of the student for several years," stated the news release. "The relationship reportedly became sexual in January of 2010 and continued until May of 2010. Investigators do not believe the aide had involvement with any other students or that any of the alleged misconduct took place at school."

Police believe the relationship was ongoing during those four months while the student was enrolled at the school, they said.

Officials from issued a statement Friday morning about Cox's arrest.

"We can now share this information with you, since the police have concluded the investigation and an arrest has been made," it stated. "… The police contacted the district on Aug. 31, 2010, to let us know they were investigating the matter. Cox was immediately removed from all her duties and placed on administrative leave."

She was fired less than two months later on Oct. 19, according to the statement.
Cox began working as a teaching assistant in the district in 2001, when she successfully passed all required background checks, district officials said.

"We want to stress that the district takes these charges very seriously," said the statement. "As this is now a matter for law enforcement officials to handle, we encourage students who may have pertinent information regarding this investigation to contact the Naperville Police Department."

It went on to say the district is providing support and counseling for students wanting to talk about any concerns or feelings. Those wishing to speak are encouraged to reach out to their school's social worker or guidance counselor.

Cox was no longer in jail Friday morning at 11:30 a.m., police said. She posted the required 10 percent of her $50,000 bail and was released.

Aggravated criminal sexual abuse is a Class 2 felony. Each count is punishable by up to seven years in prison. Cox is next scheduled to appear in Will County Court on April 4.