HS Teacher From Orland Park Sexually Abused Teen: Prosecutors

A high school teacher from Orland Park sexually abused a teenage girl after offering her a ride home from work, according to the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Jesus Sanchez, 44, appeared at the Markham courthouse for a bond hearing Wednesday. He faces a charge of aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

Sanchez is a teacher at Thornwood High School in South Holland, according to prosecutors.

Last month, Sanchez and two of his male students were at a restaurant where his teenage victim works, according to a statement released by the state’s attorney’s office.

“Sanchez purchased food for the students, who were doing landscaping at his home earlier in the day, which is against Thornwood school policy,” the statement said. “The two students remained in the car while the defendant purchased their food.”

Sanchez offered the teen, who is a former student, a ride home while he was in the restaurant, prosecutors said.

“The victim was hesitant to accept the ride but she had missed the bus and did not want to travel home in the dark,” the statement said. “The defendant assured the girl that the other two students would also be in the car. The victim accepted the ride and joined the other students in the defendant’s car.”

Sanchez parked in front of the teen’s house after dropping off the two youths, prosecutors said.

“Sanchez then asked the girl if she wanted him to drive to a darker parking space further away from her house,” the statement said. “The victim said no, however, the defendant drove the car further down the street and locked the car doors. Sanchez then repeatedly sexually abused the victim inside his car and ignored the girl’s pleas for him to stop.”

Afterward, Sanchez drove the girl back home and dropped her off, prosecutors said.

“The victim immediately told a witness what had occurred and the incident was reported to the police,” the statement said.

Sanchez’s bond was set at $200,000. He was ordered to have no contact with the teen, the male students, or anyone else under 18.