A renowned Islamic scholar and head of a Chicago Islamic school was charged Tuesday of sexually assaulting a woman who works as a school staff.

A civil suit filed on the same day accuses him of abusing the woman and three other teenage students. 

Islamic scholar Mohammad Abdullah Saleem, founder of the Institute of Islamic Education, is charged with felony criminal sexual abuse. His victim was a 23-year-old woman who works as an administrative staff at the Elgin school.

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The 75-year-old Imam, who comes from Gilberts, Illinois, has been arrested Sunday after his victim filed a complaint with the Elgin police in December.  He was released on bail Tuesday. 

The woman said Saleem started sexually assaulting her since 2012 when she began working as the school's administrative staff.

She says Saleem would enter her office, remove her veil and hug her several times.  At some point, the accused would touch her on her private parts.

Last April, Saleem locked the door of the woman's office and sexually abused her.  Prosecutors claim they have evidence to support their case.

Prosecution lawyer Steven Denny argued that Saleem took advantage of the trust given to him as a religious leader.  He was also believed to have abused Muslim women's tendency not to discuss matters concerning sexual abuse.

Defense attorney Thomas Glasgow said his client denies the allegations hurled against him, but says they have yet to discuss the details of the lawsuit.

Saleem's bond was set at $250,000.  He was also prevented from getting close to his accuser, her family, or anyone under age 18.

In a statement, the 23-year-old woman urged Muslims to speak up about matters concerning sexual abuse.

"I will no longer stay silent," she said.

TagsImam, Chicago, Sexual Abuse