A Chicago Public Schools teacher was charged with sexually abusing four people under the age of 18 last October, authorities confirmed.
Julio Mora, 55, worked at Lázaro Cardenas Elementary School's south campus in the 2500 block of South Central Park Avenue, a CPS spokesman confirmed. In November, CPS learned of an allegation involving Mora and immediately removed him from the school, CPS said. Police said he is charged with four counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse. The alleged incidents occurred in the 2300 block of South Millard Avenue, police said.
"Protecting students is our highest priority, and the district took immediate action this fall to remove Mora from his position after learning of an abuse allegation,” Michael Passman, a CPS spokesman, said in a statement. “We appreciate law enforcement's response to these serious allegations, and the district's Office of Student Protections and Title IX is working to coordinate supports for the affected students."
Cardenas parents were notified of the allegation in November, Passman said. At the time, it was believed that one student was affected. As the investigation proceeded, additional allegations were made, he said.
CPS will be updating parents when students return to Cardenas following winter break, Passman said.
Cardenas is located on the city’s Near Southwest Side.
