A Williamson County Grand Jury has indicted a former faculty member of the Carterville Community Unit School District 5 on multiple charges of aggravated criminal sexual assault.
During a Friday morning news conference in Marion, Jeff Diederich said John Wakey was arrested in connection with allegations involving former students dating back more than a decade. Authorities say Wakey was employed as a faculty member and football coach with the Carterville School District at the time the alleged incidents occurred between September 1, 2013, and February 9, 2015.
According to investigators, there are eight potential victims connected to the case, all of whom were students at the time of the alleged offenses. Officials say four victims have come forward. Wakey was taken into custody May 7th near Pontiac in Livingston County. Sheriff Diederich said Friday that Wakey was being transported back to Williamson County following his arrest.
Court records show Wakey faces nine counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault. Wakey is scheduled to appear in court this (Monday) afternoon at 2 p.m.
Earlier this year, the Carterville School District placed Wakey on administrative leave after a former student reported allegations of criminal sexual abuse to the Williamson County Sheriff’s Department. Superintendent Sarah Barnstable said the alleged incidents reportedly occurred approximately 10 years ago while the student was enrolled in the district.
District officials have stated they continue to cooperate with law enforcement and state agencies during the ongoing investigation. Authorities say the allegations span from 2013 through 2023. Officials emphasized there is currently no indication that any present-day Carterville School District students are victims in either investigation. Anyone with information related to the cases is encouraged to contact the Williamson County Sheriff’s Department.
“The safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority,” Barnstable said in a statement.