Former Chicago Archdiocese Substitute Teacher Charged with Sexual Assault in Orland Park
A 43-year-old substitute teacher recently terminated by the Archdiocese of Chicago has been arrested and charged with felony aggravated criminal sexual abuse. Brett Smith, of Orland Park, turned himself in to authorities on Wednesday following an investigation into allegations of inappropriate conduct with a juvenile student he was tutoring privately.
Orland Park police launched an investigation after the parents of a student contacted authorities. The parents had hired Smith for private tutoring services through a post on the Nextdoor app, where he allegedly utilized the alias “BJ S. McAuliffe.” Suspicion arose when the parents attempted to pay him via Zelle and noticed the bank account was registered to “Brett Smith” rather than the name provided in the advertisement.
Upon researching the name, the parents discovered news reports detailing prior allegations against Smith. When questioned, the juvenile student told investigators that Smith had rubbed his back underneath his shirt while reading.
Detectives determined that Smith had previously legally changed his name from Brett Zagorac in 2019. Further investigation revealed a history of legal issues, including a conviction for misdemeanor battery involving a 5-year-old in Indiana in 2010, and prior allegations in Arizona.
The Archdiocese of Chicago announced earlier this week that Smith had been fired from his position as a substitute teacher. Officials stated they took immediate action after learning of his history of allegations in other states. Smith had worked in at least four Catholic schools over the past year, including Queen of Martyrs School in Evergreen Park, St. Walter-St. Benedict School in Blue Island, and Pope John Paul II School in Brighton Park.
In a statement, the Archdiocese noted that Smith had passed recent state background and fingerprint checks required for employment and that they were previously unaware of the out-of-state allegations. They emphasized that there have been no known allegations of misconduct involving students at the Archdiocesan schools where he taught.
Smith is currently facing one felony count of aggravated criminal sexual abuse. Legal experts remind the public that criminal charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. He was scheduled to appear in bond court at the Cook County Courthouse in Bridgeview on Friday.
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