Police: Catholic Prep School Employee Found Dead Was Target of Investigation

By Jonathan Bullington
Chicago Tribune
April 17, 2013

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/suburbs/park_ridge_niles/chi-notre-dame-prep-employee-death-20130417,0,4239617.story

Map of Notre Dame College Prep in Niles

The Notre Dame College Prep faculty member who was found dead on the Niles campus this week was the subject of a police investigation into whether he had engaged in inappropriate communications with "current or former Notre Dame students," Niles police said Wednesday.

Police would not elaborate on the investigation of Richard Balentine, 38, the Catholic high school's director of campus ministry, other than to say it was in the "preliminary stages prior to his death." Balentine, who apparently committed suicide, was found dead by staff members in his on-campus residence Tuesday morning, officials said.

"It had not yet been determined if these communications were criminal in nature or a violation of school policy," Niles police said in a release.

The investigation remains open, police said.

Authorities interviewed Balentine at the Niles police station Monday morning. He was last seen at 6 p.m. Monday, school spokeswoman Teresa Connelly said.

Police informed school officials of the investigation Monday afternoon, but had not elaborated on the nature of the probe beyond what authorities said in their statement released Wednesday, Connelly said.

Balentine joined the Notre Dame staff six years ago and was chairman of the religious studies department as well as director of campus ministry, Connelly said. He also taught religion classes and organized student retreats with other faculty and staff members.

Connelly said she was not aware of any complaints against Balentine and said administrators had not been investigating his communications with students.

She said Balentine lived on campus for a short time and was planning to move into a private residence.

"We're saddened by the loss of our colleague and teacher," Connelly said. "Our prayers are with his family."

The Niles Chamber of Commerce and Industry had named Balentine its teacher of the year, and he was due to receive the award next week.

"It's a terrible situation," said Katie Schneider, executive director of the chamber. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the Notre Dame community."

Balentine's award nomination came from a school parent, Schneider said, adding that a chamber committee chose Balentine largely because of a sense of service he instilled in students.

Contact: jbullington@tribune.com