Aurora Teacher Failed To Report Abuse To Authorities: Cops

AURORA, IL — A former teacher at East Aurora School District 131 has been found guilty of failing to report an incident of abuse of a child. Elizabeth Aguilar, 43, of the 300 block of Marion Avenue, was teaching at Bardwell Elementary School on March 7, 2018, when she became aware that a student was likely the victim of abuse, authorities said in a news release.

As a teacher, Aguilar was required by law to report the incident to the Illinois Department of Family Services, but neglected to do so.

"Mandated reporters are obligated by law to report suspected child abuse. If the life and well-being of a child is at stake, it is not too much to ask," Kane County State's Attorney Joe McMahon said in a statement, adding, "I hope this verdict sends a clear and strong message that there are consequences for those who do not take this obligation seriously."

Aguilar faces close to a year in jail for this misdemeanor conviction. She is set to appear in court again on Nov. 13.