Former Substitute Teacher Pleads Guilty to Child Battery

A former substitute teacher for the Chicago Archdiocese admitted guilt to aggravated battery of a child, a felony offense, after being accused of inappropriate conduct with a 9-year-old boy in Orland Park. Brett Smith, aged 43, faced charges of aggravated sexual abuse of a minor and wire fraud in Cook County, but those were dismissed following a plea agreement with prosecutors.

Judge Steven Rosenblum, who oversaw the proceedings, agreed to allow the 9-year-old to testify via closed-circuit television before the plea deal was reached. As a result, Smith will serve two years of probation and must register as a violent offender against youth.

“There is something not right with the actions of Mr. Smith taken over a long period of time,” Judge Rosenblum remarked. “Each time when that has occurred, either the penalties were not stiff enough or he did not get the understanding that these types of actions cannot continue.”

The deal aimed to prevent further trauma to the child and anticipated witnesses. Judge Rosenblum noted the family’s concern, acknowledging their desire to avoid having the child testify.

The victim’s father expressed profound changes in his son’s demeanor since the incident.

“As parents, we have spent countless sleepless nights wondering how we can help him, knowing we can never erase what was done to him,” he said.

Prosecutors highlighted the child’s apprehension about facing Smith again and its potential psychological impact. Smith’s lawyer requested a forensic examination, arguing that prosecution lacked evidence of mental health treatment.

Smith had worked at several schools in Chicago’s South Side and suburbs before his dismissal. Allegations against him included inappropriate contact during tutoring sessions between December 2025 and January.

Smith also faced misdemeanor battery charges in Evergreen Park for similar actions with another juvenile. A related hearing is set for later this year. Prior allegations prompted the archdiocese to ban Smith, previously known by other names, from teaching.

A letter from archdiocese officials confirmed prompt actions upon learning of Smith’s troubling past, stating, “Upon learning these allegations, we took immediate action to bar him from our schools and he has been terminated.”