Aurora Mom Sues School District Over Sex Abuse Allegations

AURORA, IL — A mother is suing East Aurora School District and a former kindergarten teacher on claims that her child and another student were sexually abused by the teacher at Bardwell Elementary School. The mother claims that she informed the district repeatedly about accusations against former teacher Juan C. Avendano, 62, but the district failed to take action, Chicago Tribune reports.

Police arrested Avendano in March on multiple felony counts of criminal sexual abuse and aggravated sexual abuse for allegedly sexually abusing two children on the premises of Bardwell Elementary School between 2014 and 2018.

Chicago Tribune reports that the parent who filed the lawsuit, identified only as Jennifer Doe, met with Bardwell Principal Twila Garza, who is also named in the lawsuit, about Avendano's alleged behavior at the start of the 2014 school year. The mother claims that her allegations against Avendano were denied and that his behavior became worse after she met with Garza.

Per the lawsuit, the parent claims that "Garza deliberately failed to notify any investigating agency of the abuse allegations against Avendano and allowed Avendano to remain in the classroom."

The suit against East Aurora School District, Garza, and Avendano will come in front of a judge on Dec. 18, Chicago Tribune reports.

Image via Kane County State's Attorney's Office

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