Englewood First Responders Founder Charles McKenzie Charged With Sexual Assault, Grooming

The founder of a Chicago nonprofit dedicated to stopping street violence is now facing criminal sexual assault and grooming charges involving two girls, according to Chicago police.

Charles McKenzie, 37, was arrested Aug. 5 and charged with criminal sexual assault of a family member under 18 years old and grooming, police said. He runs Englewood First Responders, a nonprofit that the city of Chicago lists as a partner agency in its violence prevention work. The organization has also received state contracts, according to a review of public records.

McKenzie is separately employed by Chicago Public Schools as a counseling assistant.

Prosecutors allege McKenzie began grooming the first alleged victim when she was around 13 years old. Court documents describe repeated sexually explicit gestures and inappropriate touching over multiple encounters. Prosecutors also allege McKenzie exposed himself and made sexually explicit gestures during a FaceTime call with the girl.

A second alleged victim told authorities that McKenzie sexually assaulted her in March, when she was 14. According to court documents, McKenzie entered the girl's room, removed her clothes and assaulted her. The girl later confided in a sibling, and about two weeks after the alleged assault she told the first alleged victim she no longer felt safe at home. The first alleged victim then called 911.

Both girls took part in forensic interviews at the Chicago Children's Advocacy Center, and a sibling gave a recorded statement supporting parts of the allegations, according to court records.

After his arrest, McKenzie denied the allegations in general terms but identified himself and the first alleged victim during a Facebook call, according to court documents. When confronted about an image showing him naked, he first said the photo had been faked, then said it was an old photo taken during a call with his wife.

NBC Chicago, which first reported the charges, is not disclosing the nature of McKenzie's relationship to the alleged victims to protect their identities.

Englewood First Responders has operated as one of the community groups the city has used to interrupt violence on the South Side, alongside outreach workers and street intervention teams funded through city and state grants.

Chicago Public Schools, when asked about McKenzie's employment, issued a statement saying the district "prioritizes and takes seriously its responsibility to ensure the safety, security, and well-being of all students" and that its schools are committed to a safe environment for students, staff and families. The district did not say whether McKenzie remains employed or has been placed on leave.

McKenzie was booked following his Aug. 5 arrest. Court records reviewed by NBC Chicago do not indicate a bond amount or the date of his next court appearance. The Cook County state's attorney's office has not released additional details on the scheduling of the case.

The city has not said whether it will suspend or terminate its partnership with Englewood First Responders, or whether the state contracts the nonprofit received will be reviewed in light of the charges. Cook County court records will show the next scheduled hearing date once it is set.