A Limestone Community High School employee will be held in custody until trial on criminal sexual assault charges involving a female student.
Ronnie Ray S. Baskin, 37, allegedly had sexual contact with a 17-year-old female Limestone student, according to a release from the Peoria County State’s Attorney’s Office. Baskin, who is employed in a non-teaching role at the Bartonville school, was ordered held during a detention hearing on Tuesday.
At about 7:30 a.m. Friday, the Bartonville Police Department was made aware of sexually explicit text messages between a school employee and a student. When interviewed by police, Baskin admitted to knowing the student was 17 years old, sending her messages and having sexual contact with the girl, according to the the state’s attorney’s office.
Baskin was arrested on Friday on charges of criminal sexual assault, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and delivering alcohol to a minor.
A letter from Superintendent Keith Brown dated Nov. 8 and addressed to Limestone parents and guardians said the district would pursue its own investigation, as well.
“The safety and security of our students is paramount, and the appropriateness of the educational environment is, of course, crucial to our mission,” Brown said in the statement. “The administration and Board of Education will take appropriate steps to investigate and will take any and all necessary action to protect the welfare and security of Limestone students.”
More charges could be filed as the case proceeds, and the investigation is ongoing.
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