ILLINOIS
Journal & Topics
By TOM ROBB Journal & Topics Reporter
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.
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