Overview
- The Archdiocese removed and barred Brett Smith, formerly Brett Zagorac, after confirming he had worked across multiple Catholic schools and as a private tutor over roughly 16 months.
- Evergreen Park police say a report was filed Jan. 21 and they are investigating, including a family’s report of a possible incident at school; a separate family filed a complaint tied to in-home tutoring.
- Illinois DCFS confirmed an investigation has been opened, and the Archdiocese says it is cooperating with DCFS and two suburban police departments.
- Officials acknowledge Smith passed state background and fingerprint checks in 2024 and say they are reviewing how screening failed to flag his record and reported use of multiple names.
- Parents at Queen of Martyrs pressed for accountability and safety changes, and the Archdiocese urged anyone with concerns to contact police, DCFS, and its Office for the Protection of Children and Youth.