Suburban Tutor Arrested After Juvenile Sexual Abuse Investigation

Brett Smith, 43, used multiple aliases to advertise private tutoring services on social media before being charged with aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 9:15pm

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A 43-year-old suburban Chicago man named Brett Smith was arrested after police investigated allegations of sexual abuse involving a juvenile. Smith had been advertising private tutoring services on social media under various aliases, including BJ S. McAuliffe, before parents became concerned and contacted the authorities.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of thorough background checks and parental vigilance when hiring private tutors or other individuals who will be in close contact with children. It also raises concerns about the potential for predators to exploit social media platforms to target vulnerable youth.

The details

According to police, Smith turned himself in at the Orland Park Police Department after detectives were unable to locate him at his residence. The investigation began after parents hired a tutor who identified himself as BJ S. McAuliffe, but they later became concerned when the name associated with a requested bank payment appeared as Brett Smith. Police determined that Zagorac had legally changed his name to Brett Smith and used several aliases when advertising tutoring services.

  • On January 29, 2026, Brett Smith was arrested by Orland Park police.
  • Smith is scheduled to appear in court on January 31, 2026.

The players

Brett Smith

A 43-year-old suburban Chicago man who was arrested on charges of aggravated criminal sexual abuse after using multiple aliases to advertise private tutoring services on social media.

Orland Park Police Department

The law enforcement agency that investigated the allegations against Brett Smith and arrested him.

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What’s next

Smith is expected to be transported to the Bridgeview Courthouse on Friday for a first court appearance, where a judge will decide on the terms of his bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for parents to be vigilant when hiring private tutors or other individuals who will have access to their children, and the importance of thorough background checks to ensure the safety of vulnerable youth.