A teacher at a northwest suburban Christian school has been charged with with sexual exploitation of a child for allegedly masturbating during class, a practice authorities believe may have happened several times in the last decade.



Paul A. LaDuke, 75, of the 1000 block of Court-H in Hanover Park, was charged Tuesday for an incident last Friday at Schaumburg Christian School, at 200 N. Roselle Rd. in Schaumburg, where he is a teacher.



A student reported to a teacher they saw LaDuke masturbating while seated at his podium, police said.



The teacher notified the school administration, which initiated an internal investigation that resulted in Laduke’s termination on Friday afternoon, a release 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 and masturbated while students were present 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.

LaDuke taught 9th grade geometry honors and alegbra; 10th grade algebra II; and 11th and 12th grade algebra II and trigonemtry-pre calculus, according to the school’s website.



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.

LaDuke is scheduled for a bond hearing Wednesday in Rolling Meadows. The charge against him is a Class 4 felony, punishable by one to three years in prison.