Crime & Safety

Cops: Woman Charged with Interfering in Sexual Assault Cause

Valerie Wilke turned herself in at police headquarters last week.

[Editor's note: Arrest information is supplied by the Fairfield Police Department. It does not indicate convictions.]

A Fairfield woman was arrested last week for allegedly interfering in a sexual assault investigation, police said.

Valerie Wilke, 52, a social worker, was charged with failure to report abuse or neglect and interfering with a police officer in connection to the case involving former Staples High School swim coach Jeffrey Schare, according to police.

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Wilke reportedly informed a school counselor of claims made by two Fairfield girls, but would not provide any information about the victims. According to police, Wilke intended to make her own assessment and interview the victims.

After the school counselor notified police, investigators contacted Wilke for information to aid the investigation, department spokesperson Sgt. Sue Lussier said. She reportedly refused to give detectives the names of the victims. Police determined Wilke did not follow proper legal procedure for reporting sexual assault claims and applied for a warrant for her arrest.

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Wilke turned herself in at police headquarters and was released on a written promise to appear in court on Jan. 23.


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