Mahmoud Saed
Introduction
Mahmoud Saed is a Milwaukee restaurant owner and former Salam School teacher who was charged in August 2026 with three felony counts alleging he sexually assaulted a 14-year-old student while he was her teacher, beginning in 2012. He is charged with repeated sexual assault of the same child, child enticement, and sexual assault of a student by school staff.
Background Information
Salam School is a Milwaukee school operated in connection with the Islamic Society of Milwaukee (ISM). According to the criminal complaint, Saed taught at the school in the early 2010s, and the alleged victim — now an adult — was his 14-year-old student when the abuse allegedly began.
After his teaching career ended, the complaint states, Saed “resigned from his position at Salam School and opened a restaurant with his brother called ‘Shawarma House,’” which became a well-known Milwaukee eatery.
The Controversy or Incident That Led to Their Cancellation
Charged, not convicted. Saed has not been tried, and the charges remain pending. The account below comes from the criminal complaint as reported by CBS 58, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
According to the criminal complaint, the victim told investigators Saed took an interest in her when she was in eighth grade. Court documents state that “In February or March of her 8th grade school year, the messages became increasingly suggestive and sexual.”
Investigators say Saed invited the victim into his classroom and apartment “for the purpose of engaging in sexual contact.” The victim told investigators the sexual abuse continued until 2015, when it ended after Saed’s family intervened.
The charges were announced in August 2026. If convicted on all counts, Saed faces up to 71 years in prison. His initial court appearance was rescheduled, and he was expected in court again in October.
Public Reaction and Consequences
The case also ensnared the victim’s mother, who faces a felony charge of failure to protect a child after investigators said she “encouraged the defendant to take things to the next level,” believing Saed would marry the victim after she turned 18.
In a statement to CBS 58, Salam School and the Islamic Society of Milwaukee wrote: “Neither ISM nor Salam School leadership were ever made aware of the allegations at the time they allegedly occurred, nor at any point since.” The statement added that their “utmost priority is our children’s safety and well-being.”
Current Status
Saed’s case remains pending in Milwaukee County. He was scheduled to appear in court again in October 2026 after an earlier appearance was rescheduled, and he has not been convicted of any charge.
The mother’s related failure-to-protect charge remains part of the same criminal matter, and the school has said it was never informed of the allegations by anyone associated with them.
Impact on Their Career/Life
Saed built a second career as a Milwaukee restaurant owner in the decade after leaving teaching, and the 2026 charges put both identities under criminal scrutiny at once. The allegation that the abuse of a student continued for years at a school operated by the Islamic Society of Milwaukee has forced the institution to publicly address a case its leaders say they never knew about, while Saed faces up to 71 years in prison if convicted on all three counts.
Sources
- CBS 58 (WDJT): “Milwaukee restaurant owner, former Salam School teacher charged with sexual assault of child” source