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Teacher Accused of Grooming Students Nabbed in Undercover Sting at McDonald’s, Police Say

A suburban Chicago teacher trusted with students’ safety is now at the center of a disturbing criminal investigation that unfolded in texts, escalated into explicit messages, and ended in a dramatic parking lot arrest. Authorities say what began as complaints inside a middle school quickly exposed a far more alarming pattern.

A former Chicago-area middle school teacher has been charged with multiple felonies after authorities said he engaged in inappropriate conduct with students and attempted to arrange a sexual encounter with someone he believed was a 14-year-old girl.

He was brought before a Kendall County judge Monday and remains behind bars.

Detectives are still investigating and are encouraging any additional victims to come forward.

What We Know

Joliet police said the investigation began March 13 after officials with Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202 reported concerns about Alex Buetikofer, 38, of Lisle, a physical education and health teacher at Aux Sable Middle School.

School administrators alerted police after receiving reports that Buetikofer had inappropriate interactions with female students, including requesting personal contact information and engaging in communications that raised concerns about professional boundaries. In one instance, he allegedly made nonsexual physical contact with a student that made her uncomfortable.

"This caused the student to feel uncomfortable. Students recognized this behavior as inappropriate and reported it to school staff, who immediately escalated the matter to their administrators," said Joliet Police Chief Bill Evans during a news conference Monday.

Detectives said the investigation uncovered multiple attempts by Buetikofer to form personal, non-school-related relationships with students, including requests for phone numbers and social media accounts.

Between April 6 and April 17, investigators conducted an undercover operation, communicating via text messages with Buetikofer while posing as a student with the consent of a victim’s family.

"It's through their cooperation we were able to move in the direction we did," explained Det. Kristoff Petro with the Joliet Police Department.

Police said the conversations became increasingly sexual in nature, and Buetikofer allegedly attempted to arrange a private meeting.

Authorities said Buetikofer believed he was communicating with a 14-year-old girl.

The Arrest Sting

On April 17, detectives obtained an arrest warrant and later arranged a meeting at a McDonald’s in Yorkville. Police said Buetikofer arrived alone, purchased food and was taken into custody in the parking lot after a brief struggle.

During a search of the vehicle, officers reported finding items in plain view that were consistent with prior communications, including alcohol, a sex toy, and a blanket covering the windows. The vehicle was taken as evidence.

Buetikofer has been charged with two counts of aggravated battery, five counts of indecent solicitation of a child, two counts of grooming, one count of traveling to meet a child and one count of solicitation to meet a child.

While Buetikofer allegedly arranged to meet one student, police say he also attempted to communicate inappropriately with multiple students.

"There were several other students that came forward, [reporting] him asking them for contact information — phone number, social media," said Det. Andrea Espinosa with the Joliet Police Department. "We are working with other agencies — we welcome other agencies so we can continue to move forward with this."

After his arrest, he was transferred to the Kendall County Jail.

What Officials Are Saying

Plainfield CCSD 202 Superintendent Glenn Wood, alongside Chief Evans and the detectives on this case, are commending the classmates who spoke up when they felt unsafe.

"We are deeply grateful to everyone who has the courage to come forward, and we want all families in our community to know you will be heard, believed, and supported in District 202," Wood said.

"Alex Buetikofer was in a position of trust," Chief Evans said in a statement. "He was a teacher. He was an adult placed in a role of authority and responsibility over young people. Parents trust teachers to provide guidance, support, and a safe learning environment for their children. Students should be able to look at educators as people who are there to protect them, encourage them, and help them grow. Based on this investigation, trust was seriously violated in the most abhorrent fashion conceivable."

School Districts React

Until last month, Buetikofer also worked as an assistant lacrosse coach at Hinsdale Central High School.

Dr. Michael Lach, superintendent of Hinsdale Township High School District 86, released the following letter to families:

"We are writing to share important information regarding a former Hinsdale Central assistant boys lacrosse coach, Alex Buetikofer, to ensure open communication with our families.

"On March 18, 2026, District 86 was informed of allegations of improper conduct involving Buetikofer related to his employment as a teacher in a separate Illinois school district, not affiliated with District 86. Upon receiving this information, the District acted promptly to end his involvement as a lacrosse coach at Hinsdale Central and took all necessary steps to protect our students. Effective March 19, 2026, District 86 ceased all association with Alex Buetikofer and he was formally terminated on March 26, 2026.

"On April 18, 2026, the District was notified that Alex Buetikofer had been arrested in connection with allegations of improper conduct involving a student at the other Illinois school district, where he was employed as a teacher. At this time, we have no information indicating that any District 86 students are involved. The District is fully cooperating with law enforcement as the investigation continues.

"We understand that this news is very concerning. While we are limited in what we can share due to the ongoing investigation and the need to protect student privacy, we are committed to keeping you informed with the information available to us.

"If your child has had any contact with Alex Buetikofer that raises concerns, or if you have any information you believe is important to share, we strongly encourage you to contact your building principal as soon as possible so that we can respond appropriately.

"The safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority. District 86 takes these matters extremely seriously and is committed to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all students.

"We will continue to provide updates as additional information becomes available and as appropriate.

"Thank you for your attention and partnership."

Dr. Mary Havis, superintendent at Berwyn South School District 100, released a statement addressing Buetikofer's former employment:

"Dear District 100 Families,

"We are aware of recent news reports regarding an individual who was previously employed at Freedom Middle School approximately ten years ago. According to those reports, the former employee has been recently charged in connection with alleged misconduct while at another school district.

"District 100 has no information that the district, our schools, or any current or former students are involved in this matter, nor do we have information regarding the underlying allegations. While the district has not been contacted by law enforcement, we will fully cooperate if requested.

"We recognize that reports of this nature can be concerning, particularly when there is reference to a school within our community. We are committed to providing accurate information to our families and to ensure the safety and well-being of our students, which remains our highest priority."

What’s Next

Detectives Espinosa and Petro are leading this investigation, which officials warn could expand as more students come forward.

Students and families with information that could assist detectives in the investigation are encouraged to contact the Joliet Police Department Investigations Division at 815-724-3020.

Buetikofer is scheduled to appear in court on May 7 at 9 a.m.