The Chicago Public Schools inspector general has reopened an investigation into Hilario Dominguez, a candidate for Chicago Board of Education president. This decision comes months after closing an earlier inquiry into his conduct. CPS Inspector General Philip Wagenknecht confirmed the reopening but declined to comment on the nature of the allegations. Earlier this year, the office issued a ‘not substantiated’ report, citing insufficient evidence of inappropriate interactions.
Last month, Dominguez’s attorney, Larry Suffredin, shared a June email with the Tribune that closed an earlier case. This email stated that there was no sufficient evidence of inappropriate conduct with a CPS student in 2017 while Dominguez worked at the Resurrection Project. Although Friday’s statement did not clarify the reasons for reopening, the Tribune has since interviewed the woman at the center of these allegations.
Dominguez, who previously served as the deputy political director for the Chicago Teachers Union, has encountered past allegations related to his time at The Resurrection Project. These allegations have resurfaced during his campaign. Dominguez acknowledged the seriousness of such allegations and highlighted his participation in the investigative processes, which repeatedly concluded that the claims were unfounded.
In 2017, a 17-year-old girl participating in the nonprofit’s summer program reported inappropriate behavior and language from Dominguez to an employee named Paloma Rodriguez. Rodriguez documented the report in 2018 after both the complainant and Dominguez had left the organization. The girl’s account included instances of Dominguez offering rides home and making comments about her dating life.
The woman, now 26, recounted specific incidents, including one where Dominguez allegedly wrapped his arms around her waist in the nonprofit’s office. She felt out of control during the encounter. She also provided the Tribune with a text message from Dominguez acknowledging the allegations a year later and apologizing.
Both Rodriguez and other former Resurrection Project staff members have confirmed discussions about Dominguez’s alleged actions during that summer. Rodriguez expressed a protective instinct upon hearing the allegations, which she found inappropriate and concerning.
Suffredin rebutted the claims, emphasizing Dominguez’s denial of their accuracy. He urged that these proven false allegations should not damage Dominguez’s reputation or achievements. Suffredin defended Dominguez’s professional capabilities, indicating that many students have benefited from working with him.
Dominguez attributed the resurfacing of these allegations to a political rival within the family circle, claiming that these are ‘weaponized rumors.’ This relative has denied using the allegations as part of a political strategy against Dominguez.
The inspector general’s statement on Friday did not clarify the reasons for reopening. The woman expressed surprise at the earlier finding, noting that she had not been interviewed as part of the process. She has since contacted the inspector general’s office.
Resurrection Project CEO Raul Raymundo did not answer queries concerning the nonprofit’s handling of the allegations. Sylvia Ortiz-Cooper, a spokesperson, confirmed Dominguez’s employment duration but did not provide further details.
The woman’s decision to speak out stems from concerns about Dominguez’s accountability, especially as he seeks public office in a system that serves youth. She emphasized the importance of sharing her own story independently, aiming to regain control of her narrative.