Former Okaw art teacher arrested on sex charges

 

 

A former teacher at the Okaw Area Vocational Center has been charged with sex offenses.

 

 

James R. Dierkes, 29, of Donnellson, has been charged in information filed on Friday by the office of Fayette County State’s Attorney Joshua Morrison with criminal sexual assault and aggravated criminal sexual assault.

Dierkes was an Okaw art teacher from 2012-18, resigning from his teaching position in August 2018, according to Vandalia Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jennifer Garrison.

He graduated from the Illinois State Police academy in December 2018 and completed field training in May of this year, according to online records.

The charge of criminal sexual assault alleges that between Aug. 1, 2016, and June 30, 2017, Dierkes, while holding “a position of trust, authority or supervision “committed an act of sexual penetration” in that an alleged victim under the age of 18 performed oral sex on him.

That charge is a Class 1 felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $25,000.

The same allegation is made in the aggravated criminal sexual abuse charge, with Dierkes identified as a high school teacher at the time, and the alleged victim being between the ages of 13 and 18.

That charge is a Class 2 felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and/or a fine of up to $25,000.

UPDATED: According to court records online, Dierkes made his first appearance in court, at which time Judge Marc Kelly set his bond at $1 million.  Public Defender William Starnes was appointed to represent him for purposes of bail. A preliminary hearing has been set for Dec. 17.