Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved.

March 28, 2024

Lincoln-Way East HS Associate Principal arrested, then lied about it –

By John Kraft & Kirk Allen

On January 14, 2020

Frankfort, IL. (ECWd) –

Alexander “Alex” Petrakis, Associate Principal at Lincoln-Way East High School, was arrested and charged with DUI on November 23, 2019 in Lockport, Illinois.

When I called him at work yesterday and asked if the information found on Will County’s Court website was him, he denied it twice, then told me it was none of my business.

After that phone call, I submitted a public records request to Lockport City Police Department for the records on the DUI, which would either prove or disprove Petrakis was the person arrested.

I received the FOIA this morning and it verifies that Alex Petrakis, Associate Principal was the person arrested and charged with DUI on Nov. 25th of last year.

According to public records provided under FOIA (read it below or download):

  • Petrakis was driving his 2015 BMW thru Lockport at approximately 9:44 p.m. on November 23, 2019
  • He was ticketed for speeding: 51 in a 35 mph zone
  • He was ticketed for improper lane usage: crossing middle dotted lane line
  • He was arrested for DUI – alcohol
  • He was arrested for DUI – BAC greater than .08%
  • His BMW was impounded and towed
  • He was released on Bond after fingerprinting and mugshot
  • A statutory summary suspension of his driver’s license was confirmed filed on Dec. 9, 2019
  • An Order was filled on Dec. 19, 2019 (we believe it was in reference to being able to drive to work)
  • He reported to Lockport PD that his employer was at LW Central HS as Associate Principal

A pretrial is scheduled in Will County Court for January 27, 2020 at 9:00 a.m.

***These are only allegations and charges, and all persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a Court of Law.

Alex-Petrakis-DUI-Arrest

.
image name

SHARE THIS

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on print

RELATED

61 Comments
  • Thomas Leary
    Posted at 11:54h, 14 January

    So what.

  • c.a. schenk
    Posted at 12:39h, 14 January

    School personnel like Police officers and others are considered Mandatory reporters. If they lie, and far too many of them do, families and children’s lives and futures are at stake. If caught in a lie ANY mandatory reporters should be fired. If they worked in business, the medical profession or other industries and lied and where caught they would lose their job. They must be held accountable to high standards.

    • PC Pace
      Posted at 18:49h, 14 January

      It’s MANDATED reporter. It is in regard to child abuse and neglect, not personal business.

      • c.a. schenk
        Posted at 03:39h, 15 January

        He needs rehab and he does not have good decision making skills to be a Mandated reporter or a public school administrator. He needs to work on both and then he can return to his position.

  • Michael
    Posted at 12:59h, 14 January

    Yeah he told you it was none of your business because it’s not, and he didn’t disclose it to you because you aren’t his employer…

    • jmkraft
      Posted at 13:06h, 14 January

      Public record, public business

      • c.a. schenk
        Posted at 13:23h, 14 January

        Absolutely right. if the public pays you, the public has every right to know. Transparency is critical in the public sector.

        • Michael
          Posted at 22:10h, 14 January

          So you’re going to defame your garbage man or post man when they get arrested?

          • jmkraft
            Posted at 22:14h, 14 January

            Who was defamed?

          • George
            Posted at 16:54h, 16 January

            Defamation is the oral or written communication of a false statement about another that unjustly harms their reputation. What was posted int his article is false?

  • Mike Conroy
    Posted at 14:28h, 14 January

    Why is this newsworthy? It isnt your business. The man git a DUI. So what? He made a mistake. I hope youre happy trying to smear his name.

    You are a real pud for taking the time to post this.

    • jmkraft
      Posted at 14:34h, 14 January

      He works in a supervisory and mentoring role at a public school. It is our business.

  • Jerry Storako
    Posted at 14:54h, 14 January

    I don’t think this article in any way was the right thing to do. Yes the man made a mistake like we all have at one time or another. I am sure he told his supervisor at the school and that’s all that needs to be done. This kind of shabby reporting is whats wrong with the media. I am not connected to LWE nor do I know this person. I am just a concerned citizen that the media takes great pride in damaging another person.

    • c.a. schenk
      Posted at 17:34h, 14 January

      WHAT! No we have not had DUI’s..The parents, voters and taxpayers have a right to know. They are ALL his Supervisor. If he does not like that then he should get a new job in the private sector. No way should this not be exposed. When you interview for a new company you are asked: Have you been arrested..Why is that? Because if you have most companies WILL NOT EMPLOY you.

      • Michael
        Posted at 22:08h, 14 January

        The man didn’t accuse you of a DUI? And they would ask him if he were being hired. But he didn’t lie about it and get hired, he was charged while he was employed. So what’s your point?

        • c.a. schenk
          Posted at 03:23h, 15 January

          People also get fired for DUI’s and other crimes, which causes arrest while employed..Not everyone is a public employee where anything goes..Anyone employed know this and we need to desperately bring these same standards to the public sector.

  • Bite Me
    Posted at 15:51h, 14 January

    You are a garbage human being for going after this well loved educator.

    • jmkraft
      Posted at 15:57h, 14 January

      So it’s OK for educators to lie?

      • Nellie
        Posted at 21:55h, 15 January

        Why can’t an educator lie when we have a president who lies daily

        • Judgment
          Posted at 22:03h, 15 January

          Dude pur president is fine or are u good with us getting bombed by terrists

    • Mike Johnson
      Posted at 19:20h, 15 January

      As a student of the school, I honestly think he was probably under the influence while on the job, thinking back about it. He isn’t a well loved educator by any means. Thank you jmkraft for bringing this incident to the public eye!

      • Emma
        Posted at 22:53h, 15 January

        coming from a student from Central, and I know him very well, I was in his office quite a bit, he was well loved and he was never intoxicated on the job. hungover, maybe, but I mean how many teachers do you know that have done that because I sure as heck know quite a few, but he is still a superior at East and an educated man who is good at what he does.

  • Mary Carlisle
    Posted at 17:20h, 14 January

    I sincerely hope he is charged to the fullest extent of the law. No favors or special treatment.

  • Mary Carlisle
    Posted at 17:23h, 14 January

    Thank you very much for covering this and all your other reporting. We are beyond blessed to have you both for pursuing a multitude of issues.

  • Scott Muller
    Posted at 22:04h, 14 January

    Sounds like some bratty kids parents were upset about a few detentions or poor grades I wonder if any of these last names on the post were students of his.

  • Sarah Foerster
    Posted at 22:20h, 14 January

    So I attend Lincoln-Way East HS, he said to the student body that his priority was to end teen drug and alcohol use , how ironic

    • Judgment
      Posted at 22:00h, 15 January

      Seth u still go to east so silence yourself ur opinion is invalid

    • Judgment
      Posted at 22:02h, 15 January

      Your opinion is invalid

  • MinYourOwnBusiness
    Posted at 23:29h, 14 January

    Wow whoever wrote this had a grudge against Petrakis. Wanted to gloat. Jmkraft is a “deleted by moderator for indecent language.

    • jmkraft
      Posted at 10:34h, 15 January

      Never met him, so there is no “grudge.”

  • Bob Klotterson
    Posted at 23:40h, 14 January

    jmkraft scrounging for clout. Saddening. Also, learn to write an article. Was he employed at LWE or LWC? You changed it up mid article. Terrible writing skills. Maybe attend some of Alexander “Alex” Petrakis’ classes?

    Guy gets DUI, you flame uncontrollably. You call him and expect him not to lie? lol ? why would he answer you.

    Yeah agreed a PRINCIPLE should set an example. Get that, he will get what comes around.

    Reading further in your BIO, all you report on are petty local crimes that defame people. You’re a sick joke and part take in why our society is the way it is. Good luck clown.

    • jmkraft
      Posted at 10:42h, 15 January

      Maybe you should spell check your own comment prior to telling others how to write. “partake” not “part take” and it is “principal” as we wrote it, not “PRINCIPLE” as you imply it should be. There was no uncontrollable flaming, only a truthful report on the actual public records of his arrest as provided by the Lockport Police Department. We know where he is employed, and we know where he told the PD he was employed, which is why there is mention of LWE and LWC. If Alex taught you how to write, we will pass on attending his classes.

  • Chris
    Posted at 06:28h, 15 January

    If you are going to smear someone, maybe confirm and proofread your story first. Is it Nov. 23 or 25 (you listed both), is it Lincoln-Way East or Lincoln-Way Central (you listed both)?

    • Kirk Allen
      Posted at 07:15h, 15 January

      May we suggest you read the actual article and compare it to the police documents? He was arrested on the 23rd. He was charged on the 25th according to the police documents. Police report says he works at Central, but he works at east.

      So when the news reports the truth its a smear? Really?

      • Jane Doe
        Posted at 22:34h, 15 January

        The report says that he worked at Central, because he worked at Central for a really long time, as an English teacher before he was associate principal, and was obviously intoxicated, and put it down by mistake. He still works for Lincoln-Way under the same people that he has for years and everyone says things incorrectly. I know that I say things that are wrong all the time, as I sure you do as well.

  • B. Sharpe
    Posted at 13:50h, 15 January

    @ c.a. schenk- “When you interview for a new company you are asked: Have you been arrested..Why is that? Because if you have most companies WILL NOT EMPLOY you”. As a previous HR manager, I can attest that this is absolutely NOT TRUE. No one ever asks or cares if you have been arrested. An arrest is meaningless. They can ask about, and check for convictions though.
    In almost every case I have seen however, if a person paid their dues, (prison, fines, rehab, etc) they are easily considered for employment, along with any other qualified candidates.

  • James
    Posted at 18:27h, 15 January

    What the hell is your problem

    • jmkraft
      Posted at 18:36h, 15 January

      No problem with me, but you appear to have a potty-mouth with your three previous comments that were automatically deleted do to vulgar language.

      • James
        Posted at 18:50h, 15 January

        I think i can say whatever the hell i want. (remainder of post DELETED BY MODERATOR)

        • James
          Posted at 19:22h, 15 January

          For a news source you like to censor a lot of free speech

          • ConWay Twittie
            Posted at 23:37h, 15 January

            Which one are you James?

            Beavis?

            Or Butthead?

  • Jane Doe
    Posted at 18:31h, 15 January

    Coming from a student that has the privilege of knowing him (and yes, before you bash me, I have gotten in trouble with him before so I’ve seen both sides) Mr. Petrakis is a good man and while, yes, we make mistakes, a lot of people do, that doesn’t mean he should be attacked for it. Since I am still in attendance of the schools, I also know what people are saying and posting about him and honestly it hurts my feelings. Mr. Petrakis is a good man, and not only handled my disciplinary issues professionally and worked with my parents, but also helped me get my life in check. If it wasn’t for Mr. Petrakis, there would be much bigger issues than the Lincoln- Way schools he has worked at, which has been the majority. I understand that it is a scary thing and drinking and driving is never okay, and I also understand that what he did was wrong and stupid and uncalled for, but I also know that mistakes happen and the world is round for a reason. I’m sure there are A TON of adults who have driven home with a few too many in their system and got away with it. He just happened to not get away with it. Any time there is a DUI in this area, you’re going to report it, right? make the world even? what about if YOU get a DUI? should I write an article about you? or is that none of the public’s business, even though you are a public reporter…?

    • jmkraft
      Posted at 18:34h, 15 January

      I don’t drink, no chance in me getting a DUI.

      • Jane Doe
        Posted at 22:30h, 15 January

        okay, so what about the next time you’re in court I will write about you, so just let me know okay?:)

        • jmkraft
          Posted at 22:33h, 15 January

          I am only in court to observe trials

          • homer
            Posted at 20:40h, 16 January

            liar judici says otherwise

          • jmkraft
            Posted at 20:43h, 16 January

            Will County is not on Judici.
            Try again.

          • homer
            Posted at 16:36h, 17 January

            who said anything about will county

      • Jane Doe
        Posted at 22:47h, 15 January

        And whether you drink or not, I understand your point of view and you may even be a parent of a child in the school district and, again, as a student I understand the worry and the irritation, and I am in no way trying to take away that right from you to express your opinions. However, This has been blown out of proportion. There is three schools of over 2000 kids each just talking about it and bashing it and teachers are losing all respect for him and honestly, as infuriated as I am, I would LOVE to have a conversation with him about this and see how he feels about your post. Yes, it was a bad mistake and illegal and everything and I’m not defending his actions, I’m defending him as a person. Not to bring religion into things, but the Bible says “Hate the sin, Love the sinner”. I understand that not everyone is a Christian, but everyone is a HUMAN. As a human being, you deserve a little privacy and some space from people on the media calling you out for a mistake that you made. Think of a big mistake you made in your life, and now think of someone that you don’t know spreading it around the media, while you hold a high place in the community. It was a stupid idea, and as a relatively new driver, I understand the dangers and the scariness of driving while intoxicated and under the influence of substances, but in another standpoint, what if he had just had 2 with the guys, and he has a lower alcohol tolerance? There is scientific fact that everyone has different intoxication levels and hold their liquor differently, and he just happened to think that he had more tolerance than he thought he did? still doesn’t make it right, no, still highly illegal, yes, and, as I said before, I will not stand up for his actions, I will stand up for him as a person. Mr. Petrakis is a mentor of mine and was before any of this happened. And yeah, it sucks knowing that he knew better than this and still did it anyway, and it sucks that he’s getting made fun of and having a lot of issues around the school and such. He’s still a really good man, a phenomenal principal, and a great teacher, he just happened to have a lapse in judgement just this one time.

      • Carson Dik
        Posted at 13:54h, 16 January

        I think, in your best interest, that you Mr. Kraft, needs to keep your mouth shut. You are the most unprofessional individual I have seen on the internet. I am surrounded by Billionaires everyday of my life. My Grandfather sold his company “Dik Drug” in 2012 for 1.2 Billion dollars in Burr Ridge. My father owns two well known healthcare companies. We are the elite of the South Suburbs and as a matter of fact I live in Central’s district although I do not attend that school. You make us look like absolute scumbags. If you came to one of our family dinner parties you would embarrass yourself GREATLY with the stupid, low-class comments that come out of your mouth. I hope you enjoy writing articles online and making almost no pay doing so.

        • jmkraft
          Posted at 19:18h, 16 January

          Obviously you have learned no life lessons. Your self-promotion does nothing for you…describing yourself as the “elite of the South Suburbs” LOL – nobody cares what you are the “elite” of. I suggest you come back and comment after you graduate. As far as your comment of: “you make us look like absolute scumbags” – you did that all by yourself with this comment of yours. BTW, the article simply recited what was written in the police and public records, nothing more, nothing less. If you cannot handle truth, you have a rough life ahead of you.

  • Roger
    Posted at 19:07h, 15 January

    Other than the DUI, speeding and improper lane usage is standard for a BMW.

    • Jason
      Posted at 10:18h, 17 January

      You’re funny 🙂

  • arcstar7
    Posted at 21:10h, 15 January

    Not sure why this says LW East when it clearly says on the paperwork that he works at LW Central.

    • jmkraft
      Posted at 21:14h, 15 January

      The School’s website says he works at East – the paperwork says where he told the PD he worked.

      • arcstar7
        Posted at 21:18h, 15 January

        Oh, good catch then. Maybe thought nobody would notice. Also found this guy is one of the highest paid teachers at the school.
        https://salary.bettergov.org/person/alexander-j-petrakis-9757d4a0/

      • Cadet
        Posted at 22:29h, 15 January

        considering he worked at LW Central for years and years, and just now started working at East his past school year, and obviously he was under the influence, it was probably just a simple mistake

  • Shirley
    Posted at 05:53h, 16 January

    Jmkraft I’m sure you have done a few things in your lifetime that you would not want exposed. This man will pay for his mistake, and he has learned from his mistake! Thankfully no one was hurt or killed, that is the most important part of this lesson! We all have made mistakes, and I know EVERYONE of us including myself has had one too many drinks and drove home and got lucky, you included, because I’m sure you are no choir boy. No need to make him out to be a liar, he owes you no answers, only his employer. Nowadays the media is self serving and totally biased!

    • jmkraft
      Posted at 06:29h, 16 January

      He lied. Period.

      • Truth Hurts
        Posted at 21:08h, 23 January

        Did anyone ever tell you that you look like James Randi?

  • JML
    Posted at 10:53h, 19 January

    Mr. Petrakis made a mistake, an easily preventable mistake at that.

    The second he got behind the wheel drunk, buzzed, or otherwise impaired, he forfeited any right to privacy and earned any and all repercussions as a result of him getting a DUI.

    I’m glad that he was arrested and charged. He’s lucky that he didn’t hurt or kill himself. He’s even luckier that he didn’t hurt or kill anyone else. It’ll be a powerful lesson. Next time he’ll remember to try another way to get home: taxi, Uber, walking, friend, etc.

    I know people that were killed and families forever scarred by drunk drivers. I myself don’t drink, nor have ever had alcohol. But I don’t prevent anyone else from drinking either so long as they do so responsibly. The second they don’t and try to drive home drunk, I get involved, friend or stranger. It’s the right thing to do.

    What did Mr. Petrakis expect would happen after the DUI officially became public knowledge, outside of the small town and office gossip that undoubtedly occurred beforehand? He’s a public official. If he wants to continue to be one, he mustn’t take actions that’ll jeopardize it.

    We hold our public officials to a higher standard, fair or not. I know we don’t have great examples in the highest offices right now but we must strive to do and be better because our public officials should be a reflection of our values and ourselves at our noblest.

    One mistake doesn’t automatically make someone a bad person. But few of us are saints. He, like all of us, is somewhere in the spectrum. If he’s remorseful, that’s great. Perhaps he’ll take steps to prevent this in the future.

    A shout-out to Watch Dogs, it’s a great tool for public transparency and free press. I’ll forever defend the Free Press — even if it exposes my actions — as well as all of our constitutional freedoms because they’re constantly at risk.

    The Free Press is not evil, nor has it ever been evil, regardless what Nixon has said before and what Trump says now. Freedom of press means freedom of information to make informed choices. Exercise it!

    Say, can I start a Watch Dog site for my county? Is the name trademarked? I’d love (or is it hate) to know what shenanigans county officials here are doing…

$