Crystal Lake Teacher On Paid Leave After Recent Grooming Charge

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL — A Crystal Lake Central High School teacher accused of talking inappropriately to a teenage girl in an online chat room is now on paid administrative leave pending an investigation, according to the Northwest Herald. The investigation includes claims that 48-year-old Matthew Fralick, also a former girls' basketball and school football coach, reportedly asked the teen in April to take part in sexual behavior, according to media reports. Fralick was recently charged with felony grooming for the allegations and was arrested on Feb. 1 following an investigation into the allegation by a juvenile.

The Northwest Herald said the school district's spokeswoman Shannon Podzimek sent the Northwest Herald a statement Friday, which she said the district sent parents and staff Feb. 1, indicating the teacher had been on paid administrative leave since at least Feb. 1, when he turned himself in to McHenry police.

“Because this is an ongoing investigation, we have been asked and advised not to provide any additional information or comments at this time,” board President Adam Guss said in an email Friday, according to the Northwest Herald. >> Read the rest via the Northwest Herald.

Fralick is currently free from jail after posting his bond and is due back in court Friday, Feb. 15.

Related: Crystal Lake Central Teacher Charged With Felony Grooming

The Northwest Herald said according to Community High School District 155’s salary and benefits report from August 2018, Fralick was earning $102,026 in base salary with $4,807 in retirement enhancements and $15,350 in other benefits.

Image via McHenry Police Department