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.
