Illinois State Trooper Charged With Sexual Assault, Abuse

SPRINGFIELD, IL — A state trooper has been arrested after prosecutors charged him with felony sex crimes he is accused of committing while working at a high school, police said.

James Dierkes, 29, of Greenville, was hired by Illinois State Police last year and relieved of duty Friday after his arrest by officers from the internal investigation division, according to state police. He faces one count of criminal sexual assault and one count of criminal sexual abuse.

On Tuesday, Vandalia police notified state police of allegations that Dierkes had been accused of sexual assault while he was employed at Vandalia Community High School in 2016. Dierkes did not become a state trooper until June 2018.

Investigators spoke to a young woman who said she had inappropriate sexual contact with Dierkes multiple times while he worked at the high school, according to state police. Police said they learned of another person who said she had been sexually involved with Dierkes on multiple occasions.

"Illinois State Police special agents treated the victim’s allegations as credible and within hours of disclosure initiated an investigation leading to these charges," ISP Director Brendan Kelly said in a statement.

"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."

Police asked anyone with additional information about the case to call 217-622-0924.

A background check conducted by state police into Dierkes prior employment, including at the high school, when he applied did not reveal any evidence of criminal misconduct.

A judge ordered Dierkes held at the Fayette County Jail on a $1 million bond. His next court appearance was not immediately available.