A teacher from Orland Park has a new attorney and a new judge as he faces charges that he sexually assaulted one of his former students.
A Cook County judge approved motions Tuesday to allow Jesus Sanchez, 44, to switch attorneys. He will now be represented by Palos Heights attorney Colleen McSweeney Moore.
McSweeney Moore declined to say why Sanchez sought a new lawyer to defend him against four counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, two counts of kidnapping, four counts of aggravated battery in a public place and one count of unlawful restraint.
Circuit Court Judge Tommy Brewer will preside over the case, replacing Judge Michele Pitman. McSweeney Moore also would not say why a new judge was sought, citing attorney-client privilege.
Sanchez, who had taught Spanish at Thornwood High School in South Holland, pleaded not guilty to all charges on Sept. 1. A request made that day by the defense for student and mental health records remains pending.
Prosecutors allege that Sanchez sexually molested one of his former students, whom he picked up from a Tinley Park restaurant where she worked, in his car July 1, ignoring her requests that he stop fondling her.
Sanchez had offered the girl a ride home while he also was taking two male students home after they had done landscaping for him during the day, according to prosecutors. They contend that, after dropping the boys off, he drove toward the girls home but stopped in a secluded area nearby, where she was assaulted.
Prosecutors said the girl called 911 after Sanchez dropped her off at home.
Sanchez has been ordered not to have any contact with the girl, the two boys or anyone under 18.
Nick Swedberg is a freelance reporter.