4 teens charged with attempted sex assault in St. Francis de Sales locker room

By Mitchell Armentrout

Four teenage boys have been charged as juveniles with the attempted sexual assault of an 18-year-old inside a locker room at St. Francis de Sales High School.

The attack happened about 3 p.m. on March 23 at the high school at 10155 S. Ewing Ave., according to Chicago Police.

A de Sales parent and school representatives reported the incident to police on April 28. On Saturday, four boys were arrested and charged with one count each of attempted criminal sexual assault, police said. A fifth boy initially questioned by detectives was not charged.

They have been released to their parents and are scheduled to appear in juvenile court June 8, police said.

When the investigation was announced in late April, Chicago Archbishop Blase Cupich said church officials were cooperating with police.

The school also issued a statement on its website at that time:

The safety and well-being of our students at St. Francis de Sales High school is a top priority. Yesterday, April 28, after we completed an extensive investigation of a reported bullying incident, consequences were imposed on all students involved, the statement said. Our students are educated in a community of faith committed to academic excellence and our caring environment enables students to feel safe and be successful. It is important for the St. Francis de Sales community to be mindful of the care and concern we show towards everyone. I hope you will take time to discuss with your child the sense of safety at St. Francis de Sales, as well as the treatment of fellow classmates.

The office of the Archdiocese of Chicago issued a statement Sunday saying it has learned of the charges and “continues to cooperate with the authorities.”

“The safety and security of all students in Catholic schools in the Archdiocese is a top priority for Catholic school leadership and the Office of Catholic Schools.”

Officials from St. Francis de Sales could not be reached Sunday afternoon for comments on the charges.

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