Chicago, IL - The Archdiocese of Chicago has notified Catholic school families about the dismissal of a male teacher with a documented history of child molestation allegations in Illinois and other states. The letter circulated this week states the educator most recently served as a substitute at Queen of Martyrs Catholic School in Evergreen Park earlier this month.
Teacher Worked Across Multiple Catholic Schools
According to the Archdiocese, the individual held short-term or substitute teaching positions at several Catholic schools on the South Side and in south suburban communities over the past 16 months. His employment history includes time at St. Walter-St. Benedict School in Chicago and Blue Island during the 2024–25 school year, as well as a role through a third-party vendor at Pope John Paul II School in Chicago at the start of the 2025–26 academic year. He also privately tutored students in the south suburbs.
The Archdiocese has emphasized that none of the reported allegations stem from incidents at Chicago-area Catholic schools.
Family Complaint Triggers Police Involvement
In the letter sent to parents, church officials confirmed that one south suburban family has filed a police complaint related to conduct that allegedly occurred while the teacher was tutoring in their home. Authorities from two suburban police departments and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) are now involved in the investigation.
“The Archdiocese of Chicago is cooperating fully with law enforcement and DCFS,” the letter stated.
Ongoing Investigation and Archdiocesan Response
The Archdiocese did not identify the teacher publicly, and ABC7 Chicago reported it has withheld the individual’s name since no criminal charges have been confirmed in connection with any Chicago-area schools. Administrators have assured families that immediate action was taken once the teacher’s background and the complaint became known.
Communications from the Archdiocese underscored its commitment to reviewing hiring procedures and ensuring compliance with its child protection policies across all Catholic schools.
Legal Perspective: What Victims Can Do
As allegations surface of a Catholic teacher accused of molestation across multiple Illinois schools, families are left grappling with unanswered questions about accountability and legal recourse. To better understand what steps victims and their loved ones can take, we spoke with seasoned Illinois sexual abuse lawyer Erv Nevitt, who shared how state law supports survivors and holds negligent institutions responsible.
Laurence Banville, Esq.: When allegations like this surface involving a school or religious entity, what steps can victims or their families take under Illinois law?
Erv Nevitt, Esq.: The first step is always to report the matter to law enforcement and DCFS, which it seems has already been done here. From a legal standpoint, victims can also file civil claims against both the perpetrator and the institution that employed them—especially if there’s evidence of negligent hiring or failure to protect students.
Banville: What about cases involving private or religious schools? Do victims have different rights?
Nevitt: Not necessarily different, but these cases often involve additional complications. Religious organizations operate many schools, but they’re still bound by state laws on mandatory reporting and child protection. The key is whether the institution took reasonable steps to prevent access to children by someone with known risks.
Banville: And for families who discover a teacher’s past only after an incident has occurred?
Nevitt: That’s where transparency matters. If an employer knew, or reasonably should have known, about prior allegations and still allowed that teacher to work with minors, that could expose them to significant liability in court.
Empowering Survivors to Take the Next Step
Families affected by sexual abuse deserve answers, accountability, and compassionate legal support. If you or someone you love was harmed by a Catholic school teacher or other trusted figure, our legal team is here to listen and help you understand your options. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation and take the first step toward reclaiming your voice and holding those responsible accountable.
