An assistant principal at Washington Elementary School in the Evanston-Skokie Community Consolidated School District 65 has been arrested and charged with aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a child, authorities confirmed this week.

Carlos Mendez, 51, who has served as assistant principal at the district’s Washington Elementary and previously was principal at Dr. Bessie Rhodes Magnet School in Skokie, was taken into custody by Chicago police on Thursday, February 5. He faces multiple charges including aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a child, domestic battery and a separate outstanding warrant from another state.

Mendez had been on leave from his role at the school since late October 2025. District officials notified parents at that time of his leave but did not disclose details about the circumstances.

The nature of the alleged abuse and the relationship between Mendez and the victim have not been released publicly, with authorities identifying only that the victim was older than five years old.

According to charging documents, Mendez was arrested after police responded to an investigation that resulted in his detainment without bond.

He is expected to appear in court on February 25, where prosecutors will outline the charges formally.

Law enforcement has not yet provided further details on the investigation or whether additional victims have been identified.

Community members and parents have expressed concern following news of the arrest, with some saying they were unaware of the full scope of the circumstances that led to Mendez’s leave last year.

District leadership has not issued public remarks beyond earlier notifications and has not responded to requests for comment about the charges or the status of school safety measures.

Mendez’s employment history in the district spans several years, during which he held leadership roles at multiple schools.

As legal proceedings begin, the case highlights the heightened sensitivity and scrutiny surrounding allegations of abuse involving school personnel and minors.

Prosecutors and police have reiterated that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.