Private investigators have been hired to conduct an internal investigation at Waukegan High School, following the arrest of two security guards in January for alleged pay irregularities.

The three investigators from Naperville-based Probe International are conducting interviews at the high school and checking documents and payroll records, according to Thomas Morris, legal counsel for Waukegan Public Schools.

Morris’ firm, Hinshaw and Culbertson, hired the investigators about two weeks ago and will report any findings to the school board.

“The board feels that it’s important that the community understands that they are taking it seriously and if anything is wrong, they want to fix it,” Morris said.

The private investigators include a former Chicago policeman and a former FBI agent.

Morris did not have an estimate on how much the investigation will cost because the investigation is in its preliminary stages and the investigators are still defining the scope of the investigation, he said.

In January, two security guards at the Waukegan Ninth Grade Center were charged with felony theft following a six-month investigation by the Waukegan Police Department. The two men allegedly arranged to be paid for time they did not work. Their supervisor, Director of Safety Al Rogers, is on paid administrative leave.

Associate Principal William Newby is currently serving as interim director of safety.