Schaumburg police: Teacher masturbated in class

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Paul A. LaDuke / photo from Schaumburg police

Updated: December 17, 2011 8:36AM

A math teacher at a northwest suburban Christian school masturbated behind a podium while teaching his class, according to police, who said he may have been doing it for the last 10 years.

Schaumburg police and the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Special Prosecution/Mass Molestation Unit have charged Paul A. LaDuke, 75, of Hanover Park with sexual exploitation of a child.

LaDuke was charged for a Friday incident at Schaumburg Christian School. A student reported to a teacher that they saw LaDuke engaged in inappropriate lewd conduct while seated at his podium, police said.

The teacher notified school administrators, who initiated an investigation that resulted in LaDuke’s termination Friday afternoon, police said. School officials then contacted Schaumburg police on Monday.

Police interviewed several who said that on Friday, while seated behind his podium, LaDuke unzipped and lowered his pants, then masturbated while students were in the classroom. Investigators believe this behavior occurred multiple times per year over the course of 10 years or longer while LaDuke was teaching at Schaumburg Christian.

While there is no evidence that any students were inappropriately touched or physically harmed, any current or former students who may have information are asked to call police at (847) 882-3534.

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