Illinois Teacher Inappropriately Touched Several 10-Year-Old Students In Classroom, Arrested

An Illinois teacher was arrested Tuesday (April 28) for inappropriately touching several students.

According to local reports, the accused was identified as 36-year-old Clarence Walker, a Leal Elementary substitute teacher. The investigation began in October last year after several 10-year-old students at Leal School reported that Walker touched them inappropriately in the classroom. The school district personnel informed the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) about it who in turn contacted the Urbana Police. Investigation was ongoing and the accused was denied access to the school facilities or the children.

"On Wednesday, October 30, USD116 administration was alerted of a report regarding student safety involving a substitute teacher at Leal Elementary. Following the report, the Leal Elementary principal immediately contacted the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and the appropriate family members. The substitute teacher in question was removed from USD116 grounds and never returned to teach for the Urbana School District,” the Urbana School District said.

Investigation revealed that the accused touched the kids unnecessarily by hugging them and rubbing their backs and shoulders. He was, however, taken into custody for aggravated criminal sexual abuse following an alleged incident where the teacher placed his hand underneath one of the students’ clothing.

“Leal administration cooperated fully with DCFS and local law enforcement in their investigation of the matter. The safety and security of all of our students remain our paramount concern during both in-person instruction and during this time of remote learning. We will continue to do all that we can to ensure that all students are safe while attending Urbana Schools,” the school district said.

The investigation was ongoing and anyone with any information was asked to call the Urbana Police Department at 217-384-2320.

The incident comes less than a month after a teacher in Minnesota was charged for having sex with an 18-year-old and inappropriately touching another student. A 14-year-old girl informed police that Daniel Sinclair Fragodt, who worked as a math teacher, touched her inappropriately. She also revealed he was in a relationship with an 18-year-old. It was revealed that the 18-year-old and the teacher had sex several times in various places including the school campus. He was arrested and charged with third-degree criminal sexual conduct.