Limestone Community High School employee arrested for sex crimes against student

BARTONVILLE (25News Now) – Bartonville Police have arrested a Limestone Community High School employee for criminal sexual assault of a student.

The principal said Ronnie Baskin, 37, did not work as a teacher. On the district’s Facebook page, Baskin is listed as an employee in the school’s information technology (IT) department.

Baskin was also charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor and furnishing alcohol to a minor.

Authorities said the allegations came to light Friday and that school administrators contacted police and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

Superintendent Keith Brown said the district will conduct its own investigation. He said it was being treated as a confidential personnel matter.

Here’s what Brown told parents in a letter:

“School management today received a report of an alleged inappropriate relationship between a non-teaching staff member and a student. We were naturally concerned about the allegations and immediately contacted local law enforcement and the Department of Children and Family Services.

Bartonville Police are continuing to investigate the alleged conduct. The district has no further information regarding the allegations and cannot comment further on the law enforcement investigation, possible criminal prosecution, or related legal proceedings.

In the meantime, the district will conduct its own investigation into the situation and take any necessary action. The safety of our students is paramount and the appropriateness of the educational environment is of course critical to our mission. The administration and Board of Education will take appropriate steps to investigate and take all necessary measures to protect the welfare and safety of Limestone students.

The district’s personnel investigation into the serious allegations will be carried out quickly and thoroughly. In accordance with standard procedures, Limestone’s investigation is continuing as a confidential human resources matter. The District cannot provide further information regarding a confidential investigative matter at this time and cannot comment on an ongoing investigation until it is complete and final action has been taken.

We will provide further information as appropriate.”

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