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	Principal Charged with Sexual Abuse of 11-Year-Old Girl Chicago Sun-Times April 9, 2009 http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/1519532,w-principal-charged-sex-abuse-040909.article A 54-year-old principal of a far north suburban elementary school has been charged with the sexual abuse of an 11-year-old girl who is a student at the school. Investigators believe other victims may be out there and they are encouraging them to come forward. Daniel R. Pirozzi, of the 39000 block of North Green Bay Road, Apt. #2, in Beach Park, has been charged with one count of criminal sexual abuse, according to a release from the Lake County Sheriff's office. His arrest and the charges follow allegations that came to light over the weekend. Pirozzi is the principal at the Biblical Baptist Church Academy located in Beach Park. The victim, an 11-year-old girl, is a student at the academy, the sheriff's office said. Members of the girl's family contacted the Sheriff's Office on Saturday detailing the allegations of the abuse that began in the beginning of March, 2009. The girl told investigators that Pirozzi would hold "secret meetings" with her in his office or in different areas of the church. Pirozzi would then hug and kiss the victim and on at least one occasion, placed his hand on her breasts, over her clothing. Pirozzi, who was picked up Monday following the investigation, admitted in a statement that his involvement with the victim had gone too far, the release said. Pirozzi has been a parishioner at the church for the past six years and has worked as the principal of the academy for the past three years. The academy has 61 students enrolled, ranging from kindergarten through 12th grade. Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse is a Class 2 felony punishable by up to seven years in prison. Pirozzi remains in the Lake County Jail on $200,000 bond, the release said. He faces a court date of April 13, 2009 at 9 a.m. for status of attorney. Parents of students at the academy are encouraged to speak with their children about this incident in order to ascertain whether or not the child may have been a victim. Should any parents feel their child may have been a victim, they are asked to call the sheriff's office Criminal Investigations Division, (847) 377-4250.
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