The Chicago Public Schools (CPS) inspector general has renewed an inquiry into Hilario Dominguez, a candidate for the president of the Chicago Board of Education. This development comes after the closure of an earlier investigation into his conduct. CPS Inspector General Philip Wagenknecht confirmed the reopening of the case but did not disclose the specific allegations involved.

Previously, a ‘not substantiated’ report was issued earlier this year. However, Wagenknecht stated that new information has prompted further investigation. Last month, Dominguez’s attorney, Larry Suffredin, provided the Tribune with an email dated June, which indicated a case had been closed due to insufficient evidence regarding alleged inappropriate interactions with a CPS student in 2017.

While the reason for reopening the case was not specified, the Tribune interviewed a woman, now 26, who was a minor at the time of the alleged incident. Dominguez, formerly the deputy political director for the Chicago Teachers Union, has previously faced allegations during his time at The Resurrection Project, a nonprofit organization. These allegations have resurfaced during his campaign.

Dominguez expressed his perspective by stating that such allegations deserve serious attention and he has cooperated fully with investigations. However, he emphasized that when due process findings are documented as unfounded, they should also be respected.

An internal statement by an employee in 2018 revealed that a 17-year-old girl reported ‘inappropriate language and behavior’ from Dominguez during a summer program at The Resurrection Project. The employee, Paloma Rodriguez, documented the report after both Dominguez and the girl had left the organization. The report stated that Dominguez was alone with the girl on multiple occasions, offering rides and making personal inquiries about her dating life.

The woman shared an incident where Dominguez allegedly lifted her off the ground in the organization’s lobby, which made her feel uncomfortable and out of control. She also provided a text message screenshot, purportedly from Dominguez a year later, acknowledging the allegations and offering to discuss the matter.

The Tribune also consulted with former staff members of The Resurrection Project who were aware of these allegations. One of them, Madeline Cruz, recalled discussing the allegations with Rodriguez and other adult staff members at the time. Rodriguez emphasized the inappropriateness of the situation and the need to address it.

Suffredin, Dominguez’s attorney, maintained that his client disputes the facts alleged and considers them as a political attack against Dominguez. He highlighted Dominguez’s contributions as a teacher and organizer during his career.

Moreover, Dominguez attributed the spreading of ‘weaponized rumors’ to a relative of the woman who had opposed him in a previous election. This relative denied any connection to the allegations used during the campaign.

The inspector general’s office has not clarified further on the reopening of the investigation. However, the woman involved was surprised to learn of the previous finding, noting that she had never been interviewed. She has since contacted the inspector general’s office directly.

Raul Raymundo, CEO of The Resurrection Project, did not respond to inquiries regarding the handling of these allegations. While the organization confirmed Dominguez’s employment duration, there was no additional comment on the matter.

The woman clarified her decision to speak out due to concerns over Dominguez’s accountability as he pursues public office within an educational system. She expressed a need to reclaim her autonomy and control over her narrative.