Man who taught private music lessons in Crystal Lake accused of sexual abuse

A 68-year-old Palatine man who taught private music lessons in Crystal Lake is accused of inappropriately touching a minor on several occasions.

Kenneth Y. Kang, of the 2300 block of North Mosley Court, is accused of having sexual contact with a girl between 14 and 17 years old, according to a redacted criminal complaint. He is charged in McHenry County court with four counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

It was not clear where the alleged abuse occurred or if the alleged victim was one of Kang’s students.

Kang worked as a cello instructor at the McHenry County Youth Orchestra and Academy, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake, according to its website.

He’s also listed as an adjunct faculty member at McHenry County College, where he received a base pay of $862 for 2018, public records show.

The academy learned about the allegations when Kang was charged by the Crystal Lake Police Department, said Elisa L. Adams, the McHenry County Youth Orchestra and Academy’s attorney.

“Immediate action was taken and Mr. Kang is not providing instruction to any student at McHenry County Youth Orchestra and Academy,” Adams said in an email Friday. “The Academy has policies in place and has the best interest of the students in mind.”

Crystal Lake Deputy Police Chief Thomas Kotlowski declined to comment on the case.

Reached by phone Tuesday, Kang gave the phone to a woman, who declined to comment. Kang is due back in court Dec. 17.