By Ann Rubin
Freeburg, Ill (KSDK) - New federal lawsuits contend that a Freeburg school official sexually abused young boys between 1980 and his death in 2009, and that other administrators didn't do enough to stop it. Illinois State Police began to investigate back in 2009.
Weeks later, former Freeburg teacher, coach, and Superintendent Robin Hawkins committed suicide, in a 1964 Mustang at his home.
At the time, NewsChannel 5 spoke to one former student who said he was abused more than 25 years ago.
"Really, they were blind at the fact of what kind of person he really was," he said.
And now three federal lawsuits allege the same thing. One filed in December, two more just last week.
They accuse Freeburg District 70, as well as two former superintendents of turning a blind eye to the abuse.
The documents describe sexual encounters in Hawkins' office, in school bathrooms, and in locker rooms where some of the boys were blindfolded and bound.
They contend that district officials failed to take any steps to prevent the abuse, did not document complaints, and did not warn male students and their parents.
Mike Wagner, the district's attorney, says they'll "continue to defend the suits to the fullest extent."
Current Freeburg parents are distraught.
"Just completely upsetting. And it's a shame that it had to happen," said one mother, Sandy Ford.
Shelly Secker says, "And if they knew that, shame on them." She adds, "Shame on them for not coming out and coming forward and saving other children and other problems from arising."
And while the plaintiffs are hoping for some justice, and unspecified compensation now.
Others in town just wish the allegations against Hawkins could finally be laid to rest.
"These new lawsuits, I just don't understand because he's gone. We may never ever find the truth again and just let him rest. Let him be in peace with himself wherever he is," said parent Donna St. Germain.
KSDK