Illinois State Police arrested one of their own on Friday afternoon. 29 year old Trooper James T. Dierkes of Greenville was arrested on one count of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and criminal sexual assault. On Tuesday, Vandalia City Police required assistance for allegations of criminal sexual assault made against Dierkes. The charges stemmed from an incident that occurred, at Vandalia Community High School, before Dierkes became a state trooper.

ISP Agents conducted a thorough investigation into the allegations made. The victim said that there had been inappropriate sexual contact made on multiple occasions during his employment at the High School. During the investigation, it was revealed that Dierkes had sexual contact with another victim as well. 

On Friday, Dierkes was taken into custody and immediately relieved of his duty as a State Trooper. He is being held at the Fayette County Jail facing the charges put forth by State’s Attorney Joshua C. Morrison.  His bond was set at $1,000,000.  

Brendan F. Kelly, ISP Director, released the following statement, “Illinois State Police Special Agents treated the victim’s allegations as credible and within hours of disclosure initiated an investigation leading to these charges. 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." 

When the ISP did their background checks, no evidence had been shown that he had committed any criminal misconduct. Anyone with additional information should contact the ISP at 622-0924.