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Woman accused of spraying kids with chemicals at Glenwood Elementary

Woman accused of spraying kids with chemicals at Glenwood Elementary

Susan Perko Photo: Sangamon County


Chatham, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – A Springfield woman faces three counts of Aggravated Battery after allegedly spraying chemicals at several students of Glenwood Elementary School in Chatham.

Court documents indicate the formal charges were filed Monday against Susan Perko, 62, but she was arrested Feb. 27.

Perko is accused of spraying three Glenwood students with a chemical cleaning agent.  All three had irritation in their eyes, while charging documents suggest at least one of the three also had burn or abrasion injuries.  No ages have been given, except that they are under the age of 13.

The Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office did not seek to have Perko remain locked up, so she was released from custody.  She is scheduled to be back in Sangamon County Court March 12 at 9:00 a.m. for a preliminary hearing.

Broadcast reports suggest Perko has since resigned from Ball-Chatham Schools.  A judge ordered Perko to not have contact with the students, to enter any of the district’s schools, or any other child under the age of 18 without adults being present.

The judge did order Perko to undergo drug, alcohol, and mental health evaluations within 60 days.

Attorney Scott Hanken has already requested the Sangamon County State’s Attorney, as is procedure, to turn over any discovery evidence to his office.

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