WHITE COUNTY — A New Baden teacher has been arrested following a Carmi Police investigation into child pornography and indecent solicitation of a child online.
According to Carmi Police Chief Jason Carter, Carmi Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force investigators, Homeland Security Agents, and the New Baden Police Department, executed a search warrant at a home in the 400 block of North 9th Street in New Baden at 6 Friday morning.
Chief Carter says Jonathan C. Villmer lived at the home. Villmer was detained and later interviewed by Homeland Security Agents and Carmi Police investigators following a search of the home.
Villmer was ultimately placed under arrest by Federal agents for the enticement of a minor and child pornography-related offenses.
Villmer is a teacher at New Baden Elementary School. The school has been made aware of the incident. In a press statement, Superintendent Jennifer Filylaw says Villmer has been placed on indefinite administrative leave. She also confirms that in addition to being a First Grade teacher at New Baden Elementary School, Villmer has been a Junior High School Softball coach and JV Girls Basketball Coach at Wesclin Community Unit School District 3.
Superintendent Filylaw says in her statement that according to law enforcement, there is no information suggesting that any current or former Wesclin students are involved in this matter, nor that any of this alleged activity was conducted on District computers or our internet network.
She adds that if your child has had regular contact with Mr. Villmer, she suggests you discuss thematter with them directly, so they hear from you that he is gone from the classroom and under investigation. On Monday, District psychologists, social workers and therapists will be available in each of the school buildings to provide support to students and staff as needed.
If you have specific information or concerns about this matter, she asks that you contact her directly at 618.830.0990 or you can email her at filyawj@wesclin.org. She says she will be available Friday evening and throughout the weekend as they are working to make plans for a smooth transition for students in Mr. Villmer’s class and for the girl’s softball team. She will share additional information with the families of these students as plans are finalized.
You can read Superintendent Filylaw’s complete statement below.
Villmer is being held in the Clinton County Jail pending a court hearing.
