Elgin daycare teacher arrested on charges of sexual abuse

ELGIN — On Nov. 29, Kane County State’s Attorney Jamie Mosser announced that former educator Frank R. Walaitis, 57, of the 200 block of West Main Street of Carpentersville, has been charged with six felony counts of criminal sexual abuse.

Mosser alleges that between December 2008 and July 2022, Walaitis, who was then employed by The Learning Tree located in the 2300 block of Royal Boulevard in Elgin, sexually abused two children who were younger than 13 years old.

At the time, Mosser states that Walaitis was trusted with holding a position of trust, authority, and supervision over the children.

Walaitis supposedly began abusing the two victims at The Learning Tree. The victims were students of his, according to the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office.

During his court appearance, Judge Julia Yetter set Walaitis’ bail at $200,000, with 10% ($20,000) to apply for bond. As of current, he remains in custody at the Kane County jail.

Walaitis’ next court appearance is scheduled to take place on Dec. 8 at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 319 at the Kane County Judicial Center.

Based on several parents who have children enrolled at the Elgin-West The Learning Tree location, it appears that the daycare has not reached out to families with further information regarding the incident.

Several other news outlets have also reported that The Learning Tree has declined to give statements.

The Kane County Child Advocacy Center conducted the investigation and was assisted by the Elgin Police Department. The case remains under investigation.

Anyone with further information regarding Walaitis is encouraged to contact Kane County Child Advocacy Center Investigator Nick Kozicki at 630-444-3184.

The Learning Tree has other locations including another one covering the east side of Elgin as well as locations in Algonquin and Huntley.