Plainfield board fires teacher after charges of sex with student

Alicia Fabbre

Plainfield school board members Monday unanimously voted to fire a Plainfield Central High School teacher facing accusations of having sexual relations with a 17-year-old female student.

Brian Smith, 32, of Joliet, was charged last month with criminal sexual assault, a Class 1 felony that can carry up to a 15-year prison sentence.

Authorities said the incident took place in early February in a storage room adjacent to Smith’s classroom. Will County Assistant State’s Attorney’s Office spokesman Charles Pelkie said court documents indicate that another student reported the incident to a school liaison police officer.

“There were certain egregious acts, which we believe call for dismissal,” said Lane Abrell, superintendent of Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202.

Abrell said Smith was “provided his due process” and was aware of the board’s action. He added Smith was not challenging the action.

After his arrest Feb. 27, Smith was directed to have no contact with the student and told he could not go on school grounds. Smith’s bond was set at $600,000, according to the Will County Sheriff’s Office, and he was released the same day.

Abrell said the district has made counseling services available to students and staff at the high school.

Smith’s next court date is March 26.

Source: chicagotribune