Berkeley teacher charged with sexually abusing Westchester Middle School student over 20 years ago

ByABC7 Chicago Digital Team WLS logo
Wednesday, August 21, 2024
Suburban teacher charged with sexually abusing girl over 20 years ago
A former Westchester Middle School student has accused current Berkeley School District 87 teacher Dawn Chester of sexual abuse.

WESTCHESTER, Ill. (WLS) -- A west suburban teacher has been charged with sexually abusing a student more than 20 years ago.

Police said Dawn Chester was teaching at Westchester Middle School when she abused a girl during the student's sixth and seventh grade years from 1998 to 2000.

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Chester then resigned and has been teaching in the Berkeley district since 2000.

In a statement, Berkeley School District 87 superintendent, Dan Sullivan, said Chester has been placed on leave.

"This is an unfortunate situation, and I want to assure parents and students that our students and their safety remain the District's number one priority," Sullivan said, in part.

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