Former Teacher Pleads Guilty to Aggravated Battery of a Child

A former substitute teacher from the Chicago Archdiocese, Brett Smith, admitted guilt in a case involving aggravated battery of a child, a felony, in relation to improper actions with a 9-year-old boy he tutored in Orland Park. Smith, aged 43, was detained in March facing charges of aggravated sexual abuse of a minor and wire fraud in Cook County. These charges were dropped following a plea deal with the Cook County prosecutors.

The decision came after a hearing where Judge Steven Rosenblum consented to let the 9-year-old testify via closed-circuit television, according to court documents. As part of the plea agreement, Smith received two years of probation and must register as a violent offender against youth.

“There is something not right with Mr. Smith’s actions over a long period,” said Judge Rosenblum. “The penalties were previously insufficient or Mr. Smith didn’t grasp that such actions cannot continue. We’re ending them now. He will not engage in teaching, tutoring, coaching, or any activities with children during his probation.”

The plea arrangement aimed to avoid traumatizing the victim and other witnesses. Rosenblum acknowledged the family’s concerns about the impact of testimony on the child. The child’s father, whose identity was not disclosed, voiced his worries, stating that his son has lost his carefree nature.

His message noted, “We have spent sleepless nights pondering how to aid him, well aware that we cannot undo what occurred.”

Prosecutors highlighted the parents’ concerns about the potential trauma of their child testifying in Smith’s presence. They pointed out the child hasn’t interacted with Smith since the incident, fearing that courtroom testimony would exacerbate his distress.

Smith’s lawyer, Steven A. Greenberg, sought a forensic review to assess the psychological impact on the child if required to testify. He questioned the evidence supporting the alleged mental health concerns raised by the parents.

Throughout the last 16 months before his dismissal, Smith was involved with multiple schools in Chicago’s South Side and suburbs, including Queen of Martyrs Catholic School. This institution recently announced its closure due to reduced enrollment forecasts.

Prosecutors accused Smith of inappropriate behavior during tutoring sessions between December 2025 and January. Allegations included rubbing the boy’s back, leading to scratches, and manipulating the child’s pen placement.

Greenberg previously asserted these behaviors are habitual for Smith. Although Smith has encountered numerous allegations over time, Greenberg contended that investigations revealed insufficient grounds for many.

Smith faced misdemeanor battery charges in another incident at Queen of Martyrs School, involving unwanted physical contact with a minor. A court appearance for this matter is scheduled for September at Bridgeview Courthouse.

Past aliases for Smith include Brett Zagorac. Concerns escalated when payment requests under BJ S. McAuliffe revealed the name Brett Smith, leading parents to investigate.

A parent uncovered historical misconduct reports involving Smith, prompting police involvement. The Archdiocese then acted swiftly by preventing his return and terminating his employment.