Doctor Charged With Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse Of Child

SKOKIE, IL — A north suburban doctor is accused of sexually abusing a child over a period of several years.

Dr. Randy Calisoff, 45, is charged with aggravated criminal sexual abuse in connection with allegations of sexual conduct with a child who was between the ages of 3 and 5 years old at the time, according to court records.

Prosecutors said Calisoff was between the ages of 39 and 41 when the conduct took place at his former home in Morton Grove.

In April 2019, a child, then aged 6, told Calisoff's former spouse that he had touched her inappropriately, according to Cook County Assistant State's Attorney Alexandra O'Hehir.

Calisoff's ex confronted him, and at first he denied the allegations, O'Hehir said Thursday at his initial court appearance in Skokie.

The girl reported the conduct again the next day, and this time Calisoff allegedly admitted having engaged in sexual abuse of the child, according to the prosecutor.

Back in 2019, Calisoff's former spouse ended their marriage and kicked him out of the house but "did not report the incident to authorities for fear of losing her home and her husband's financial support," O'Hehir said.

According to Calisoff's defense attorney, Andrew Weisberg, Calisoff pays "significant child support" and alimony to his ex, and "prior to this, they were on pretty good terms."

O'Hehir said the child began seeing a therapist for assistance processing sexual trauma last year.

Last month, the child told the therapist about the abuse, which prompted Department of Children and Family Services and Morton Grove Police Department investigations that led to Calisoff's arrest, according to the prosecutor.

During the 48 hours he was detained for questioning by Morton Grove police, Calisoff was recorded making a phone call to his girlfriend in which he said "it happened a couple of years ago," O'Hehir said.

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Calisoff is an attending physician at a pain management center at a rehabilitation center in Chicago and an assistant professor at Northwestern University's medical school.

According to an online biography, he was the 2014-15 winner of the school's Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award.

Calisoff's defense attorney said he does not deal with any children in the course of his medical practice.

“Although he is a physician, he’s not a wealthy guy,” Weisberg said.

Asking the judge to set an affordable bond, the attorney said Calisoff now lives with and takes care of his elderly and infirm parents in Lake Villa.

According to the sheriff's office, Calisoff secured his release ahead of trial by posting the $10,000 cash portion of his bond. He is due back in court Aug. 22 in Skokie for a status hearing.