John “Jake” Wakey, a former Carterville High School teacher and football coach, pleaded not guilty Tuesday to nine counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse involving minors during a hearing in Williamson County court. The charges stem from alleged incidents connected to the Carterville football program between 2013 and 2015.
Judge Michelle Schafer ordered Wakey’s release from custody under strict pretrial conditions, including GPS electronic monitoring and home confinement at his parents’ home in Herscher, Illinois. While prosecutors filed a petition seeking to keep Wakey detained, the judge determined that less restrictive conditions could be imposed, citing Wakey’s lack of prior criminal history and no documented record of violent or abusive behavior. The court also referenced a pretrial investigation report as part of its decision.
Wakey waived a formal reading of the charges and entered a not guilty plea through his attorney.
The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office reports that eight potential victims have been identified so far in the broader investigation. Authorities continue to review additional persons of interest tied to incidents allegedly spanning from 2013 through 2023.
Following an internal investigation into employee conduct and student safety concerns, the Carterville Community Unit School District No. 5 Board of Education voted Tuesday evening to dismiss Wakey from his positions as a teacher and assistant football coach. Superintendent Sarah Barnstable stated the action followed “a thorough review of information gathered through an internal investigation conducted by District leadership and careful consideration of the facts and circumstances presented to the Board.”
District officials emphasized that student safety remains the school system’s top priority, and that allegations involving employee conduct are taken “extremely seriously.” As a tenured teacher, Wakey has the right to challenge the Board’s decision and may request a hearing within 17 days.
Wakey was taken into custody last week near Pontiac, Illinois, before being extradited to Williamson County. His next pretrial hearing is scheduled for June 24th at 8:30 a.m. via Zoom in Williamson County Circuit Court.