WEST CHICAGO, IL — An Aurora man faces multiple felony charges after police say he sexually abused five students while he taught third grade at Currier Elementary School in West Chicago.
Mario Garcia, 54, of the 2500 block of Looking Glass Ct., was charged with predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, aggravated criminal sexual abuse and aggravated battery in connection with the incidents.
School authorities contacted police on May 14, 2026, to report that a teacher had "touched several students inappropriately" during the 2025-26 school year a news release said.
Garcia was taken into custody following an investigation.
"The allegations against Mr. Garcia are extremely disturbing," DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said in a news release.
He added, "It is alleged that he used his position of trust and authority as a teacher to sexually assault and abuse multiple students. I commend the authorities at West Chicago School District 33 and at Currier Elementary School for immediately bringing this matter to our attention and I want to stress that today's charges are in no way indicative of the outstanding, professional faculty and staff employed by School District 33. Their commitment to the students at Currier Elementary School and all the schools throughout the entire district is unwavering and it is because of their efforts and cooperation with the investigation we were able file these charges against Mr. Garcia."
Garcia is being held at DuPage County Jail. he is set to appear in court on Aug. 31.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Wheaton Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.