On Friday, December 4th, the Taylorville Police Department arrested 33 year old Zachary Crowley on two charges of unlawful grooming. Crowley was employed at Taylorville Christian Church as a Youth Minister, at Visionway Christian School as the Athletic Director, and as an Assistant Football Coach at Taylorville High School.

Taylorville Police Chief Dwayne Wheeler says that the situation is really sad and that the Taylorville Police Department is working alongside the Christian County States Attorney’s Office and State’s Attorney Mike Havera on the investigation.  

Chief Wheeler says that they’ve only just started the investigation. 

At the end of the day, Chief Wheeler says that the families safety is most important.

When asked if he expects Crowley to be charged with anything further, Chief Wheeler says that they’ll present any additional evidence that they find during their investigation to the State’s Attorney and he’ll make the decision. 

Crowley faces 1-3 years in prison per charge followed by 1 year of mandatory supervised release (parole) and a fine of up to $25,000. His preliminary hearing is set for January 22nd at 10 AM.

Taylorville Police Chief Dwayne Wheeler was a guest on the NEWSTALK WTIM Morning Show.