OPRF's Investigation Into Alleged Sexual Assault Has Wrapped Up, Superintendent Says

Oak Park and River Forest High School’s investigation into an alleged sexual assault case that took place at an off-campus party last fall has concluded, Superintendent Joylynn Pruitt-Adams has said.

Pruitt-Adams said in a letter addressed to district families that the school’s six-week look into a reported assault concluded late last year, the Chicago Tribune reported. The assault allegedly took place at an unauthorized, off-campus party at assistant wrestling coach Mike Powell’s home in August.

Powell reportedly gave several members of his wrestling team keys to his home so they could take care of his dogs for a period in August. While Powell was gone, a party allegedly took place at his house, and a sexual assault between a young woman and a member of the wrestling team was reported to have taken place at that party.

Powell was placed on leave for a time last fall while police and school officials investigated the incident. Nobody, however, has faulted Powell for his actions or accused him of misconduct.

“Any difficulty inaccurate reports and misperceptions have caused me, my family and my team pales in comparison to the pain of sexual assault,” he said in a statement in late November. “I await the results of these investigations with hope that the truth will be brought to light and justice will prevail. Any victims, our school district, and the community I am proud to call my home deserve nothing less.”

According to Pruitt-Adams’ letter, the school is still working on several follow-ups from the investigation, and “the district has taken appropriate actions as a result.” She said, though, that she can’t share any findings from the school’s investigation due to privacy policies.

Oak Park Police Department Sgt. Michael Lepczynski, however, told the Tribune the department’s look into the alleged assault is still ongoing.

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