3rd-grade teacher accused of molesting 4 young students

• Reprints

Updated: August 4, 2011 4:20PM

Four young girls allegedly molested by teacher Manuel Reyes were all students at the Round Lake Beach school where he works, Lake County prosecutors said Friday as he made his first court appearance.

Investigators are still trying to determine if the 55-year-old Reyes may have sexually abused any other children — including other students at Raymond Ellis Elementary School where he teaches third grade, authorities said.

“We expect there could be additional victims,” prosecutor Jason Humke said during Reyes’ bond hearing.

The new information disclosed during the hearing prompted Judge Raymond Collins to raise Reyes’ bail from $100,000 to $250,000. He remained jailed Friday.

Round Lake Beach police said Friday they are continuing to look for other possible victims.

“We intend to investigate this case fully,” said Deputy Chief Rich Chiarello.

Reyes allegedly abused the four girls between August and late March at the north suburban school where he has taught for six years.

“These children were students,” Humke said.

Reyes was arrested Saturday at his home in Kenosha, Wis., on a warrant charging him with aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

He waived extradition earlier this week and was brought to Lake County to face the charges, which carry a maximum five-year prison term.

Reyes has been placed on leave by school officials, who said the veteran teacher had a spotless record.

“No one is aware of any previous concerns,” said Constance Collins, superintendent of Round Lake Unit District 116.

Counselors and social workers have been made available at the school to students, staff and parents, Collins said.

“We’re trying to be sensitive to the needs of our community,” Collins said.