Story thread · 3 reports / 3 sources

Founder of Chicago violence prevention nonprofit charged with sexual assault, grooming

nbcchicago.com · 5h · first reportShare

The founder of a Chicago community violence prevention organization was arrested and charged with grooming and sexually assaulting two girls over a seven-year period, authorities said. Charles McKenzie, 37, was charged with criminal sexual assault of a family member under 18 years old and grooming, Chicago police said. McKenzie operates Englewood First Responders, a nonprofit identified as a partner agency with the city of Chicago in its violence prevention efforts, according to the city’s website. A review by NBC Chicago also found the organization received state contracts. McKenzie is also 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. According to court documents, he repeatedly made sexually explicit gestures and inappropriately touched the alleged victim on multiple occasions. McKenzie also allegedly exposed himself during a FaceTime call and made sexually explicit g