sexual abuse

Chicago-based religious order sued for docs on allegations

Sep 27, 2016 | WLSAM Staff

(CHICAGO) A 51-year-old Colorado man who says he was sexually abused when he was around 7 years old by a teenager who later became a prominent Roman Catholic priest has sued the Chicago-based religious order to which the priest belongs.

Eric Johnson’s lawsuit was filed in Cook County Circuit Court Monday and names the Claretians Missionaries as the defendant.

The lawsuit says Father Bruce Wellems himself was around 15 when the abuse occurred in the early 1970s. It seeks the release of all records related to allegations of abuse by any of the order’s priests.

Messages left for the Claretians and Wellems weren’t returned. Wellems has previously acknowledged inappropriate touching of a minor when he was a teen. But he’s said he never again abused a child, including never as a priest.

Police investigate report of sexual assault at St. Francis de Sales High School

Apr 30, 2015 | WLSAM Staff

(CHICAGO) Chicago Police are investigating a report of a sexual assault at St. Francis de Sales High School on the Far South Side in late March.

The incident allegedly involved an 18-year-old male victim in a school locker room about 3 p.m. March 23, a source told the Chicago Sun-Times. The victim allegedly was attacked by five other males, police said. A de Sales parent and school representatives reported the incident to police on Tuesday, police said.

Police had no one in custody in connection with the incident Wednesday.

The school issued a statement on its website Wednesday:

“Dear School Families,

The safety and well-being of our students at St. Francis de Sales High school is a top priority. Yesterday, April 28, after we completed an extensive investigation of a reported bullying incident, consequences were imposed on all students involved.

Our students are educated in a community of faith committed to academic excellence and our caring environment enables students to feel safe and be successful. It is important for the St. Francis de Sales community to be mindful of the care and concern we show towards everyone. I hope you will take time to discuss with your child the sense of safety at St. Francis de Sales, as well as the treatment of fellow classmates.”

President of Islamic school in Elgin charged with sexual abuse

Feb 17, 2015 |

Mohammed Abdullah Saleem – photo from Elgin police

(ELGIN) The president of the Institute of Islamic Education in northwest suburban Elgin has been charged with sexually abusing a former employee.

Mohammed Abdullah Saleem, 75, is charged with criminal sexual abuse, according to a statement from Elgin police. Saleem is the president of the Institute of Islamic Education at 1280 Bluff City Blvd. in Elgin.

A 23-year-old woman reported in December that Saleem “committed an act of sexual conduct against her” while she was working at the institute in April 2014.

Detectives from the Major Investigations Division looked into the case and Saleem was taken into custody on Sunday and subsequently charged, according to the statement.

Saleem was scheduled to appear in bond court Tuesday morning in Rolling Meadows.

The Institute of Islamic Education did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday morning.