Former Carterville football coach indicted on 9 sex abuse charges involving minors, sheriff says
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
CARTERVILLE, Ill., (KBSI) — A former Carterville Community Unit School District 5 teacher and football coach has been indicted as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged inappropriate conduct involving students, according to the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Jeff Diederich said 49-year-old John ‘Jake’ Wakey was indicted Thursday on nine counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse involving minors allegedly connected to the Carterville football program between 2013 and 2015.
Investigators said they have identified eight potential victims connected to the investigation. According to the sheriff’s office, four individuals have formally provided statements to investigators.
Authorities also said the investigation uncovered separate allegations involving another faculty member assigned to the Williamson County Special Education District and associated with Herrin Elementary School.
Officials said Christopher C. Ballard was arrested in April on multiple felony charges tied to that investigation.
The sheriff’s office said investigators continue reviewing at least six additional persons of interest connected to incidents dating from 2013 through 2023.
Authorities said Wakey was taken into custody Thursday near Pontiac and is being extradited to Williamson County.
