Frontier Community College women’s head volleyball coach, 51-year-old Chet L. Snyder has been arrested on multiple sexual assault charges.
In a news release this morning, Fairfield Police Chief, Ben Lewis says officers from his department and the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department conducted a search warrant at the Snyder residence on NW 9th and arrested Snyder around 6:20 Thursday night. He was initially booked into the Wayne County Jail before being transferred to the White County Jail in Carmi. Snyder faces preliminary charges of unlawful restraint, aggravated criminal sexual assault, and criminal sexual assault.
The arrest follows a complaint filed by a young Fairfield man, who was granted a no-contact order against Snyder last week in Wayne County Circuit Court.
In addition to coaching, Snyder serves as pastor of Journey Church in Fairfield. Before joining Frontier, he built a storied career as head volleyball coach at Fairfield Community High School, where he led the Lady Mules from 2004 through the 2024 season. Snyder compiled a record of 543 wins and 210 losses, making him the winningest coach in FCHS history across all sports. He posted a 73 percent winning percentage and never had a losing season.
Illinois Eastern Community Colleges issued a statement Thursday night, confirming Snyder’s arrest and administrative leave. The district emphasized that the alleged victim is not an IECC student and the allegations do not involve the college, its students, or Snyder’s coaching duties.
IECC said Snyder was placed on paid administrative leave on September 2nd, immediately after the college became aware of a temporary order of protection. He was removed from all student contact and barred from participating in college activities while the investigation continues.
The district pledged to cooperate with law enforcement and take any steps needed to protect students, employees, and the community.
Chief Lewis says this is an open and on going investigation. If you believe you have any information in relation to this case, please contact the Fairfield Police Department.
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