Taylorville volunteer coach arrested for grooming

TAYLORVILLE — A volunteer assistant soccer coach at Taylorville High School has been arrested following allegations of misconduct involving a minor. The school district confirmed the arrest, stating that they are fully cooperative with law enforcement throughout the investigation.

The coach, Karla P. Collado, was taken into custody Thursday after reports surfaced regarding inappropriate behavior with a student. The nature of the allegations has raised significant concerns within the community, prompting a discussion about safety protocols in schools and the monitoring of adult interactions with minors in sports settings.

Authorities have indicated that the investigation is ongoing, and they urge anyone with additional information to come forward.

The Taylorville School District has expressed its commitment to providing a safe environment for all students and has assured parents that they are taking the situation seriously.

“We want to thank the police department and State’s Attorney’s office for their cooperation and communication and their quick work to isolate the situation and help us protect children in our care,” Superintendent Brandi Bruley said.

Taylorville Police Department Chief Dwayne Wheeler told stated that Collado, 22, was arrested for grooming and luring a child to commit a sexual act.

The police department is not ruling out any other potential victims, and anyone who believes that they might have been a victim can contact their detective division.

Collado currently has a single charge for grooming with other charges pending, according to Judici.

Public Defender Tiffany Senger was appointed to represent Collado due to the police department’s petition to detain, due to probable cause found in affidavits. In addition, the state filed a petition to deny pretrial release.

Collado released with conditions and tracking

During the petition hearing Friday, Collado was represented by Public Defender Aaron Herkert. Detective Chase Dickey was sworn in and testified as a part of the detention hearing. Arguments would continue afterward.

Circuit Judge Brad Paisley found that the state failed to meet clear and convincing burden as to the matter of detention. Therefore, Collado was released with monitoring and conditions set and that she can hire counsel.

Her first official appearance with legal counsel will be March 14 at 10 a.m.

Penalty for grooming in the state of Illinois

Per 720 ILCS 5/11-25, grooming is classified as a Class 4 felony, which carries a mandatory minimum of one year in prison and a maximum of three years. In addition, fines can be as high as $25,000. Furthermore, if found guilty, Collado would have to file as a sex offender upon release.

Misconduct not a stranger to Taylorville schools

The arrest comes just over two years since a high school custodian, Adam Cherry, was arrested on meth possession. Cherry pled guilty on that charge soon afterward and was sentenced to two years’ probation and fines, which also extended to another charge of illegal transportation of alcohol.

The only difference between Collado and Cherry is that Cherry was an employee of the school district at the time of his arrest. Collado is a volunteer for the Taylorville soccer program, which required approval from the Taylorville School Board.

It is not known if the arrest will be a point of discussion during the school board’s regular meeting on Tuesday, March 11.

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Jake Leonard

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Jake Leonard, a broadcast media and journalism veteran, is the editor-in-chief of Heartland Newsfeed. Leonard is also GM and program director of Heartland Newsfeed Radio Network, wrestling editor and contributing writer for Ambush Sports, a contributing writer for My Sports Vote and Midwest Sports Network, and a former contributor to Bleacher Report and Overtime Heroics. He resides at home in Nokomis, Ill. with his dog Buster.

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