Overview
- DuPage County prosecutors charged 54-year-old Mario Garcia with two counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, five counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, and four counts of aggravated battery.
- Authorities allege Garcia inappropriately touched five Currier Elementary students multiple times during the 2025–26 school year.
- The investigation began after school officials reported suspected inappropriate touching to West Chicago police and the DuPage County Children's Center, which led a child-focused probe.
- A DuPage County judge granted prosecutors' request to keep Garcia jailed pending trial, and a further court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 31.
- Prosecutors called the allegations extremely disturbing and said the case centers on an alleged abuse of the teacher's position of trust over young students, with victim identities kept private to protect the children.