School employee placed on leave after FBI tip sparks criminal investigation in Williamson County
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
CARTERVILLE, Ill., (KBSI) — The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office has launched a criminal investigation into a faculty member employed by Carterville Community Unit School District No. 5, authorities said.
In a news release issued Saturday, the sheriff’s office said the investigation began after a lead from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Investigators conducted a formal interview with an alleged victim on Feb. 20. Based on that interview and other investigative efforts, authorities elevated the matter to a criminal investigation involving allegations of sexual abuse.
The sheriff’s office notified Carterville CUSD #5 administrators at approximately 6:30 p.m. Feb. 20. Officials said the district was informed of the accused employee’s identity, that the reporting victim is a former student and the nature of the alleged offense.
Because the employee’s duties involve contact with students, the district placed the staff member on administrative leave as a precaution, authorities said.
Investigators also notified the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services as required by law. The sheriff’s office said information gathered during the investigation indicates there may be additional victims.
Authorities are asking anyone who may have been a victim, recently or in the past, to contact the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office at 618-997-6541 or submit information anonymously through the department’s mobile app.
In a separate statement, Superintendent Sarah Barnstable said the district was informed late Feb. 20 of the law enforcement investigation involving an employee. She said the district placed the employee on administrative leave effective immediately based on the limited information provided.
Barnstable said the district will remain in contact with the sheriff’s office and will follow up on any additional information. She said the district’s review will proceed as a confidential personnel matter and that school officials remain committed to protecting student safety.
