Glenview, IL - Paul R. Castelli, Teacher For Students With Special Needs, Charged With Sexually Assaulting Student From Glenbrook Off Campus Center

Teacher For Special Needs, Arrested For Sexual Assault

According to the Daily Herald, a teacher has been charged with sexually assaulting a student while employed at Glenbrook Off Campus Center located at 1835 Landwehr Rd, Glenview, IL 60026. 

During a routine patrol on Tuesday, January 4, 2022, an officer spotted a suspicious vehicle parked behind an abandoned building. After approaching the vehicle, they found 45-year-old Paul R. Castelli in the driver seat and a girl crying in the backseat with no clothes on. The girl was determined to be a minor student at the school for special needs students where Castelli teaches. 

There are approximately 50 students enrolled at the therapeutic day school. Castelli has worked at the District 225 institute for over five years. He serves as a teacher for students with special needs and a case manager. The school has banned him from entering the campus in light of these allegations and is conducting an internal investigation to see if there may have been other victims.

Castelli has been charged with engaging in sexual contact with one of his students and is ordered not to have contact with anyone under 18. He is currently on administrative leave due to his arrest on Tuesday. 

Legal Options For Survivors of Sexual Abuse by Teachers

Attorney contributor Brian Kent represents sex abuse victims and their families in civil lawsuits. As an experienced school sexual abuse attorney, Brian shared some information regarding the legal options available to school sex abuse survivors. Highlighted in his discussion were some instances when a victim can file a lawsuit for being sexually abused by a teacher. 

"Sexual predators too often find positions of trust and power, such as teachers, to better exploit their victims. As of late, there have been widespread reports of teachers and coaches sexually abusing students across the country. Many of these victims have legal rights in both criminal and civil courts. It is important to report the teacher for a criminal investigation, but some survivors may also have grounds to file a civil lawsuit."

"Some cases of sexual assault happened due to the negligence of the school. If a school fails to maintain a level of security to reduce the risk of abuse, it can be considered negligent. Such measures might include security cameras, background checks, and an easy reporting process. Furthermore, if the abuser had a previous history of misconduct that the school ignored, the victims could file a lawsuit against the school."

"Lawsuits can be filed in cases involving negligence, such as a failure to run background checks. It is best to hire an experienced school sexual abuse attorney to learn the best course for legal justice. They will know the state laws like the statute of limitations and how they can affect whether or not a victim can file a lawsuit. School sexual assault cases can be complicated, and it is critical for victims to know all their legal options."

Sources:

The Daily Herald