Former Archdiocese of Chicago teacher, private tutor Brett Smith faces new child sexual abuse allegations in lawsuit
Share this @internewscast.com

In Evergreen Park, Illinois, allegations have surfaced against a former Catholic school teacher from the Chicago area, Brett Smith, adding to existing accusations of sexual abuse. A family’s lawsuit has been filed, claiming that Smith engaged in inappropriate behavior with their second-grade child.

The legal action, initiated by the mother of a student at Queen of Martyrs School in Evergreen Park, accuses 43-year-old Brett Smith of grooming and inappropriately touching her son, who is in the second grade. This disturbing claim comes amid broader concerns about Smith’s conduct during his employment at the school.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Smith’s troubles intensified recently when the Archdiocese of Chicago announced his dismissal from his position as a substitute teacher at Queen of Martyrs. Following this decision, Evergreen Park Police revealed that Smith now faces battery charges related to his alleged activities at the school. It remains uncertain whether these charges are directly connected to the lawsuit filed by the student’s family.

Compounding his legal woes, Smith is also facing charges from Orland Park Police, who accuse him of criminal sexual abuse involving a 9-year-old boy during private tutoring sessions. These charges have heightened scrutiny and concern over Smith’s past interactions with young students.

In response to these serious accusations, Smith’s attorney has issued a statement defending his client. The attorney described the lawsuit as a “shakedown of the Archdiocese,” asserting that neither the Archdiocese nor Brett Smith has engaged in any wrongdoing. The case continues to develop as the community grapples with the allegations and seeks accountability.

In a statement, Smith’s attorney said, “This is a shakedown of the Archdiocese… The Archdiocese did nothing wrong, and Brett did nothing wrong.”

READ MORE | Parents react after substitute at south suburban Catholic school fired over child molestation claims

Smith been charged multiple times with sexually abusing children, but he has only been convicted of battery.

His attorney added, “Brett has never been convicted of ever committing a sexually inappropriate touching of ANYONE in any case! Every time, prosecutors have concluded that the police responded first, when they should have conducted a more thorough investigation.”

The Archdiocese says it does not comment on litigation.

Smith was hired at Queen of Martys last month and began working for the Archdiocese in 2024 after the church said he passed a background check.

Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
GOP Sen. Tim Sheehy helps Capitol Police remove protester -- who allegedly injured 3 officers and appeared to break his own arm -- in wild scene

Senator Tim Sheehy Assists Capitol Police in Removing Protester Amid Chaotic Scene

On Wednesday, Senator Tim Sheehy found himself in the midst of a…
Man dies after sneaking into closed section of popular national park

Tragic Incident: Man Fatally Trespasses into Restricted Area of Beloved National Park

A 33-year-old man from Hawaii has died after venturing into a restricted…
Minneapolis man Abdulkarim Farah who tried to bribe juror in $250M welfare fraud scandal sentenced

Minneapolis Man Sentenced in $250M Welfare Fraud: The Shocking Attempt to Bribe a Juror

A man from Minneapolis has been sentenced to nearly five years in…
Midlothian burglary: 4th break-in at Anna's Gaming Cafe at 147th Street, Kilbourn Avenue damages business; 3 arrested, police say

Fourth Break-In Hits Anna’s Gaming Cafe on 147th Street; Trio Arrested in Midlothian Burglary Spree

MIDLOTHIAN, Ill. — A gaming cafe in the southern suburbs has been…
Azerbaijan accuses neighbor Iran of a drone attack and vows to retaliate

Azerbaijan Claims Iranian Drone Strike, Pledges Response

By AIDA SULTANOVA and DASHA LITVINOVA BAKU, Azerbaijan (AP) — In a…
Rosalinda Vaca released from jail in Waukegan, IL hit-and-run that killed pregnant woman Michelle Heidbrick, Lake Co. SA says

Rosalinda Vaca Released from Jail in Waukegan Hit-and-Run Case Involving Pregnant Victim Michelle Heidbrick: Lake County Prosecutor Updates

The family of a hit-and-run victim in Waukegan, Illinois, is calling for…
Asking Eric: Parents worry about college-age son’s ‘junk’ diet

Concerned Parents Seek Advice on Son’s Unhealthy College Eating Habits

Dear Eric: Our college-age son began experiencing hair loss back in high…
Severed head, limbs found in Bali believed to belong to kidnapped son of wealthy Ukrainian businessman

Human Remains Discovered in Bali May Belong to Kidnapped Son of Prominent Ukrainian Businessman

A gruesome discovery in Bali has been linked to the son of…
'Brady Bunch' house, used in exterior shots for the popular sitcom, gets Los Angeles landmark status

Iconic ‘Brady Bunch’ House Achieves Landmark Status: A New Chapter in Los Angeles History

Los Angeles is now home to a newly designated landmark that holds…
Commercial building explodes in New Jersey, multiple people injured and remain in critical condition

Devastating New Jersey Commercial Building Explosion Leaves Multiple Injured: Critical Condition Updates

Authorities are delving into the cause of an explosion that rocked a…
FIRST LOOK: Gaten Matarazzo's first project since 'Stranger Things' to premiere on Hulu

Stranger Things Star Gaten Matarazzo Unveils Exciting New Project Premiering on Hulu

LOS ANGELES — Gaten Matarazzo is stepping into a new role in…
Declan Coady, youngest of six US soldiers killed in Iranian drone strike in Kuwait called his brother hours before death

Declan Coady, the youngest among six US soldiers killed in an Iranian drone strike in Kuwait, reached out to his brother just hours before the tragic event.

In a tragic turn of events, Declan Coady, the youngest among six…