A man working as a security guard for Chicago Public Schools is accused of pulling a 13-year-old victim out of class for assaults.
Ivan Cotto, 29, of the 8300 block of West Irving Park Road, has been charged with criminal sexual assault for engaging in sexual acts with the girl on five different occasions between May 2015 and Jan. 2016, according to prosecutors. Two of the assaults allegedly happened at Brentano Math and Science Academy -- where he worked -- and three took place at his home.
During the encounters at the school, Cotto removed the victim from class and took her to an isolated balcony in the auditorium where they engaged in sexual acts, according to prosecutors. After each incident, Cotto took the victim back to class.
From July 2015 to Jan. 2016, the assaults took place at Cotto’s residence, prosecutors said. During this period, he communicated with the victim through text message and through a social media app. Cotto sent multiple nude photos of himself to the victim and asked for the victim to do the same, according to prosecutors.
The victim’s mother discovered sexually explicit texts between Cotto and the victim, according to prosecutors. She called authorities, which led to an investigation.
Chicago Police arrested Cotto and appeared in bond court Thursday at the Leighton Criminal Courts Building in Chicago where his bond was set at $300,000. Cotto’s next court date is March 1. His attorney information was not immediately available.
"Last week, CPS indefinitely suspended a non-teaching employee at Brentano Math and Science Academy in response to allegations of abuse,” CPS spokesman Michael Passman said. “CPS is fully cooperating with law enforcement, and we have provided resources to the school to help students and staff during this challenging time."
