A former elementary school teacher, Jonathan C. Villmer Jr., has pleaded guilty in federal court to soliciting sexual images from minors, including a 13-year-old whom he conversed with via Snapchat. Villmer, 25, used to teach at New Baden Elementary School in Illinois and also served as a coach for girls’ sports teams within the Wesclin Community Unit School District. He was charged with soliciting sexual images in August 2023.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office Southern District of Illinois expressed deep concern over the case, stating that it is disturbing when a former first-grade teacher and coach engages in inappropriate behavior with minors. U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe commended the law enforcement departments involved in the investigation for identifying and apprehending an individual who posed a significant danger to minors. Villmer now faces a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
The investigation into Villmer’s activities began when police were pursuing an unrelated case involving the distribution of underage sexual materials. During their investigation, they discovered an account connected to Villmer on Snapchat. With a search warrant, investigators were able to track the account to Villmer’s IP address and subsequently learned about his involvement with another minor.
Authorities found explicit conversations between Villmer and the 13-year-old minor, as well as messages urging the teenager to send him explicit images. The conversations also included discussions about sexual actions, including the possibility of the minor losing their virginity. Villmer was arrested on August 18, 2023.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Chicago Special Agent in Charge Sean Fitzgerald stressed the importance of this case and the guilty plea. Exploitation cases involving children are deeply troubling, but it becomes even more disturbing when the accused holds a position of public trust and targets the most vulnerable members of society. HSI, along with local, state, and federal partners, is determined to bring those who sexually exploit children to justice.
The investigation into Villmer’s actions is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, with support from the New Baden and Carmi Police Departments, as well as the Jefferson County and Clinton County Sheriffs’ Departments. New Baden is located approximately 90 miles south of Springfield, Illinois, and 30 miles east of St. Louis.
In conclusion, the guilty plea of a former elementary school teacher for soliciting sexual images from minors has raised serious concerns. This case highlights the importance of protecting children from exploitation, especially when individuals in positions of public trust are involved. The collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies and Homeland Security Investigations demonstrate a commitment to bringing those who exploit children to justice.
