Former West Chicago elementary school teacher charged with sexually abusing students

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. (WLS) -- A former west suburban elementary school teacher has been charged with sexually abusing students, officials said.

Currier Elementary School authorities told West Chicago police and the DuPage County Children's Center on May 14 that a teacher had touched several students inappropriately.

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An investigation revealed that Mario Garcia, who taught third grade, inappropriately touched five students on multiple occasions during the 2025-2026 school year, the DuPage County state's attorney and the West Chicago police chief said

Garcia, a 54-year-old Aurora man, is charged with two counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, five counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, and four counts of aggravated battery.

West Chicago School District 33 officials said in a statement that they removed Garcia from the classroom as soon as they learned of the accusations and then fired him.

Garcia was ordered held in custody at Friday's court hearing. He is due back in court on Aug. 31.