Clarence Walker

URBANA, Ill. (WAND) - A Leal Elementary substitute teacher has been arrested for aggravated criminal sexual abuse. 

Urbana police arrested Clarence Walker, 36, of Champaign on Tuesday. The arrest came after an investigation into Walker's previous employment as a substitute teacher at Leal Elementary School in Urbana. 

The allegations were brought to the police department's attention on Oct. 30, 2019. The allegations were reported by several 10-year-old students at Leal School.

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) contacted Urbana Police after they were notified by school district personnel about claims of Walker having inappropriate physical contact with students in the classroom as he was employed as a substitute teacher.

Since the notification Walker has not had access to the school facilities or children, while the investigation was ongoing. 

Police say Walker was arrested after an alleged incident where he placed his hand underneath a student's clothing. Other children told police Walker had touched other kids on their bodies unnecessarily, such as rubbing their backs and shoulders and giving unwanted hugs. 

The Urbana School District released the following statement after the announcement of Walker's arrest. 

"On Wednesday, October 30, USD116 administration was alerted of a report regarding student safety involving a substitute teacher at Leal Elementary. Following the report, the Leal Elementary principal immediately contacted the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and the appropriate family members. The substitute teacher in question was removed from USD116 grounds and never returned to teach for the Urbana School District. Leal administration cooperated fully with DCFS and local law enforcement in their investigation of the matter. The safety and security of all of our students remain our paramount concern during both in-person instruction and during this time of remote learning. We will continue to do all that we can to ensure that all students are safe while attending Urbana Schools."

Anyone with more information on this case should contact the Urbana Police Department at 217-384-2320.Â