Former Teacher Pleads Guilty to Aggravated Battery of a Child

A former substitute teacher for the Chicago Archdiocese, Brett Smith, 43, pleaded guilty to aggravated battery of a child, a felony offense. He faced accusations of inappropriate conduct with a 9-year-old boy whom he was tutoring in Orland Park. The charges were part of a plea agreement made on Thursday. Earlier, in March, Smith was detained on charges of aggravated sexual abuse of a minor and wire fraud in Cook County. These charges were dismissed as part of the plea deal with Cook County prosecutors.

During a court hearing, Judge Steven Rosenblum agreed to allow the 9-year-old boy to testify via closed-circuit television, sparing him from appearing in court in person. Smith’s plea deal resulted in a sentence of two years probation, and he must register as a violent offender against youth.

Judge Rosenblum expressed concern over Smith’s repeated misconduct: “There is something not right with the actions of Mr. Smith taken over a long period of time. Either the penalties were not stiff enough or he did not get the understanding that these types of actions cannot continue.” The judge imposed strict probation conditions, prohibiting Smith from engaging in any activities involving children.

The plea deal also aimed to prevent further trauma to the 9-year-old victim and other potential witnesses. Judge Rosenblum noted, “I understand why the family would agree to this, because they don’t want their child to go through with the testimony in this case.”

The child’s father shared a statement revealing the impact on his son, saying, “He is no longer the carefree child he once was.” The family faced significant distress, grappling with how to support their son through this difficult time.

Consideration for the child’s well-being played a crucial role in the decision to use closed-circuit television for testimony. Prosecutors noted the parents’ “extreme concern for the inevitable re-traumatization of the child from testifying in the presence of the defendant.” They pointed out the child’s fear and anxiety related to the incident.

Defense attorney Steven A. Greenberg requested a forensic examination to determine the emotional impact of testifying. He challenged the lack of evidence supporting the child’s mental health distress, claiming no school records or documents substantiated the parents’ concerns.

Smith previously worked at several schools on the South Side of Chicago and in the south suburbs, including Queen of Martyrs Catholic School in Evergreen Park. Support for Smith waned as past allegations of misconduct resurfaced. The archdiocese acted quickly, barring him from further involvement with their schools and ultimately terminating his employment.

The parents of the Orland Park child discovered Smith’s alias through a bank payment discrepancy and quickly alerted the police, sparking the investigation. Additional charges for misdemeanor battery are pending in a separate case involving unwanted physical contact with a juvenile at Queen of Martyrs. A hearing is scheduled for September 8 at the Bridgeview courthouse.