Notre Dame Teacher Found Dead under Investigation for Misconduct

By Tom Robb
Journal & Topics
April 17, 2013

http://www.journal-topics.com/news/article_56d9b6ce-a782-11e2-840a-001a4bcf6878.html


Updated: A Notre Dame College Prep teacher who a Cook County Medical Examiner's spokesman said hung himself Monday was being investigated for inappropriate communications with current or former students, Niles police said today (Wednesday) in a written statement.

Notre Dame Director of Campus Ministry and chair of the Religious Studies Dept. Richard Balentine, 38, was found dead in his residential room just off the sanctuary at Notre Dame in Niles Monday. Police said he appeared to have taken his own life.

Niles police spokesman Sgt. Robert Tornabene said his department’s investigation into inappropriate communications between Balentine and students was in the very preliminary stages. Tornabene said he could not discuss specifics of the investigation at this time.

Balentine was to receive the "Teacher of the Year" award from at the Niles Chamber of Commerce at the annual Niles Night of Roses awards banquet later this month.

The Journal was not able to immediately reach representatives of the Archdiocese.

Notre Dame spokeswoman Teresa Connelly said she the only information she has was released by police today and does not know when initial allegations were made. 

Original Story: Counselors are being made available to Notre Dame College Prep students today (Wednesday) after a teacher was found dead in his living quarters at the Niles school Monday.

A Cook County Medical Examiner’s spokesman said an examination of Richard Balentine’s body would be conducted later today when a cause of death would be determined. Niles police said Balentine appears to have taken his own life.

Niles police said the 38-year-old Balentine was found dead in his room Monday after school staff entered and found him lifeless. Police have opened a death investigation.

Balentine taught at Notre Dame for six years. He was director of campus ministry and chair of the religious studies department, Notre Dame spokeswoman Teresa Connelly said. Notre Dame students were informed of Balentine’s death yesterday and were greatly saddened by the news, Connelly added.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been made.