Ex-Teacher Accused Of 9 New Felonies In Sexual Assault Of Student

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — A former teacher, who was arrested in January in connection with unlawful sexual contact with a student he taught at a special education school in Glenview, is facing new felony charges. Paul R. Castelli, 45, of the 1300 block of Carol Lane, Des Plaines, is accused of seven felony counts of criminal sexual assault, one felony count of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, and one felony count of grooming.

Castelli was arrested in connection with the new charges Wednesday, according to Arlington Heights police. His bond was set at $210,000 Thursday and he is due back in court June 17 in Rolling Meadows.

Castelli, who no longer works at the Glenbrook-Off Campus Center, was arrested on Jan. 2 at Algonquin and Arlington Heights roads. At the time of the arrest, officers were patrolling the area and located a suspicious vehicle behind a vacant office building, according to police. They approached the vehicle and saw a man in the driver's seat. Officers also noticed a girl in the rear seat, who appeared to be crying while in a state of undress.

At the time, Castelli was charged with felony counts of criminal sexual assault and aggravated criminal assault.

RELATED: Teacher Accused Of Felony Sexual Assault, Abuse Of Student

Following the January arrest, detectives continued investigating the case and determined upon his assignment as the victim’s individualized education program case manager, Castelli began communicating with the girl through a mobile communication application. During these interactions, Castelli routinely complimented the victim’s appearance, according to police.

Around September 2021, Castelli began meeting with the victim outside of school and making physical advances toward her. Police said their relationship became intimate. Over the course of several months, Castelli engaged in sexual relations with the victim.

In light of this new information, Castelli was taken into custody Wednesday. Detectives reviewed the facts of the case with prosecutors from the Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney’s Office, according to police.

Castelli was employed at Glenbrook Off-Campus, a small therapeutic day school run by Glenbrook High School District 225, for more than five years. He was put on administrative leave following the January arrest and has since been relieved of his duties, according to the district.

"Glenbrook High School District 225 continues to be disturbed by the Jan. 2 arrest involving the inappropriate behavior of a former Glenbrook District 225 teacher," District 225 told Patch in a statment.

The district said it was alerted by the Arlington Heights Police Department Wednesday regarding the additional charges. The district reiterated the incident did not occur on campus and the arrest was made by AHPD.

"We cannot provide additional information at this time, as it is an active police investigation. In hiring employees, the District conducts a thorough review process that includes state and federal background and fingerprint checks," the district's statement concluded.