State Trooper Arrested on Sexual Assault and Abuse Charges

A former Illinois State Police trooper has been arrested on counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and criminal sexual assault.

29-year-old James Dierkes of Greenville was arrested Friday by the Illinois State Police Division of Internal Investigation.

The Division office received a request for assistance Tuesday from the Vandalia City Police Department, regarding allegations of criminal sexual assault made against Dierkes. The incidents reportedly occurred in 2016 during Dierkes' employment at Vandalia Community High School, prior to his employment with Illinois State Police.

State Police agents investigated allegations made by a victim who stated she and Dierkes had inappropriate sexual contact on multiple occasions during his employment at the high school. The investigation led to another victim who alleged she also had inappropriate sexual contact with Dierkes on multiple occasions.

Agents Friday took Dierkes into custody, and he was immediately relieved of duty. Fayette County State's Attorney Joshua Morrison formally charged Dierkes Friday. Bond was set at $1,000,000.

Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly said, "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."

Dierkes' background check prior to his hiring included his time at Vandalia High School and showed no evidence of criminal misconduct or activity at the time of his application.

Dierkes has been employed with Illinois State Police since June of 2018.