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ISP arrests state trooper accused of sexual assault and abuse during prior job at high school

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Illinois

* Press release…

The Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Internal Investigation (DII) arrested Trooper James T. Dierkes, 29 years old, of Greenville, Illinois, on Friday on one count each of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse (Class 2) and Criminal Sexual Assault (Class 1).

On Dec. 3, 2019, ISP DII received a request for assistance from the Vandalia City Police department, regarding allegations of criminal sexual assault made against Dierkes. The reported incidents occurred in 2016 during Dierkes’ employment at the Vandalia Community High School, prior to his employment with the ISP.

ISP Agents conducted a thorough investigation into allegations made by a victim who stated that she and Dierkes had inappropriate sexual contact on multiple occasions during his employment at the Vandalia Community High School located at 1109 N 8th Street in Vandalia, Ill. The investigation then lead to another victim who alleged she also had inappropriate sexual contact with Dierkes on multiple occasions.

On Dec. 6, 2019, ISP DII Agents took Dierkes into custody, and he was immediately relieved of duty. He is being held at the Fayette County Jail pending charges. Fayette County State’s Attorney, Joshua C. Morrison, formally charged Dierkes: on one count each of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse (Class 2) and Criminal Sexual Assault (Class 1). His bond amount is set at $1,000,000

“Illinois State Police Special Agents treated the victim’s allegations as credible and within hours of disclosure initiated an investigation leading to these charges,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “ISP agents are fiercely protective of brave crime victims and fiercely protective of the integrity of the Illinois State Police so we urge any victims to come forward.”

The ISP conducts lengthy, rigorous employment background checks during the application process. Dierkes’ extensive background investigation included his employment at Vandalia Community High School and showed no evidence of criminal misconduct or activity at the time of his application.

Dierkes has been employed with the ISP since June of 2018. Anyone wishing to provide additional information is encouraged to call the ISP at (217-622-0924).

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Dec 6, 19 @ 2:52 pm

Comments

Wow. What a betrayal. I hope they throw the book at him. Vandalia has had enough going on with the deaths of those two teens. Now this. Please let Vandalia have some peace.

Comment by Steve Rogers Friday, Dec 6, 19 @ 2:59 pm
I’m curious what position he held at VCHS. Initially I thought of resource officer but I believe that would’ve made him an employee of the Vandalia Police Dept. and not the school district.

Comment by Cubs in '16 Friday, Dec 6, 19 @ 3:02 pm
Vandalia radio station stated Dierkes is a former art teacher who taught at the Okaw Area Vocational from 2012 to 2018 before leaving the school to become an Illinois State Police Officer, a position he has held for the last year since graduation the ISP Academy and completing field training this past Spring.

Comment by Nearly Normal Friday, Dec 6, 19 @ 3:23 pm
Thanks Nearly Normal.

Comment by Cubs in '16 Friday, Dec 6, 19 @ 3:43 pm
ISP has hired many former school teachers over the years. Seems to be an affinity between the professions.

The background checks used to be more stringent. To be fair this may not be something that would get caught by a background check. With the current ISP command I guarantee they are already finding out if there was a preventable failure.

It appears the justice system is preparing to launch this guy if found guilty. He will have earned that if that happens.

Comment by Winderweezle Friday, Dec 6, 19 @ 4:13 pm