A Wauconda firefighter has been charged with sexually abusing a girl under the age of 13, officials said.
The victim recently told authorities in Lakemoor that Donald Berthiaume, 41, had “inappropriate sexual contact” with her in 2005, according to the Lake County sheriff’s office.
Bertiaume, a 13-year veteran of the Wauconda Fire Department, was charged with two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, the office said.
Berthiaume has been with the Wauconda Fire District for 13 years, spending his early years as a volunteer and the past nine years as a full-time firefighter, according to Wauconda Fire Chief David Dato.
“The Wauconda Fire District is deeply troubled by the allegations,” Dato said, reading from a statement.
Dato said Berthiaume was placed on paid leave pending the investigation. As the department learns more from authorities about the case, the Fire District Board and department leaders will make further decisions about Berthiaume, Dato said.
“Paid administrative leave is a good way of saying you’re being taken out of the picture, but we’re looking at things,” Dato said.
The chief said there is no reason to believe the alleged acts occurred while Berthiaume was on duty.
Bertiaume was released on $50,000 bail. He could not immediately be reached for comment.