Aurora Kindergarten Teacher Charged With Sex Assault

CHICAGO (CBS) -- A kindergarten teacher at East Aurora school district's Bardwell Elementary has been charged with sexual assault of two minors over a span of nearly four years.

Juan C. Avendano, 62, was charged with a felony counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, and indecent solicitation of a child; as well as five counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, the Kane County's State's Attorney's office said.

Prosecutors say Avendano made sexual contact with two victims under the age of 13 between April 2014 and March 2018.

"Four years? Honestly, I don't know what happened with that," said Yuri Hernandez, whose daughter is in kindergarten at Bardwell.

The district said Avendano was put on leave about two weeks ago.

It's unclear where the crimes occurred, but what is clear is the charges are serious and parents are angry.

Hernandez said her daughter recognized Avendano's mug shot.

"She say 'I know the teacher. He's so nice,'" she said. "I'm super scared that he was with my daughter."

The accusations sent a chill down the spine of Lucero Burciaga. Weeks ago her 6-year-old called Avendano her kindergarten teacher. Now Burciaga calls him the source of pain and anxiety for parents

"He was my child's teacher. He's been with her hours. You really don't know. It's just scary," she said. "There's a lot of anger going on right now."

CBS 2 visited the Avendano's listed address, but no one answered the door

The district said their top priority is the safety of students. Officials said they would provide any assistance necessary, including counseling to the victims.

Avendano remained in custody Wednesday night.