Man Taken Into Custody at Teutopolis High School After Possible Inappropriate Social Media Contact w/Student

Police took a man into custody in the Teutopolis High School parking lot Wednesday. The police were present after school district officials notified law enforcement of a possible inappropriate social media contact with a student and an adult male. A statement from Teutopolis Superintendent Deborah Philpot read that "the adult male, who is not an employee of the Teutopolis School District and does not reside in this area, was taken into custody in the parking lot by police."

Philpot said, "a potential serious situation was avoided today due to several of our students stepping forward with information and looking out for their fellow students. We are grateful for our students looking out for one another."

Philpot said, due to this being an ongoing criminal investigation, she could not comment further at this time. She did say, "The safety of our students and staff is our top priority, and I want to assure you that at no point did the adult male come into contact with any other students at the high school today." She asked to assure parents that students are safe and not in danger.

Effingham County State's Attorney Bryan Kibler said a subject is in custody in connection with the incident. 29-year-old Antonio Ferto of Maywood was arrested Wednesday by sheriff's deputies and is being held on counts of grooming and traveling to meet a minor. Kibler said Ferto is likely to make his initial court appearance on Friday.