A Donnellson man who is also a former area teacher, had bail set at $1 million on Friday morning after being informed of the charges against him. 29-year old James T. Dierkes appeared in custody in Fayette County Court on Friday morning where he was informed of the charges and the court found probable cause in the matter. Dierkes is charged with one count of criminal sexual assault as information states that between August 1, 2016 and June 30, 2017, Dierkes allegedly committed a sexual act with the victim “who was under 18 years of age when the act was committed” in that the victim performed oral sex on the defendant “for the purpose of the sexual gratification of the defendant.”. That count is a Class 1 felony and is punishable by four to 15 years in prison. Dierkes is also charged with one count of aggravated criminal sexual abuse as information states that between August 1, 2016 and June 30, 2017, Dierkes, “a person who holds a position of trust, authority or supervision” is alleged to have committed an act of sexual conduct with the victim “who was at least 13 years of age but under 18 years of age” in that the victim “performed oral sex on the defendant, for the purpose of the sexual gratification of the defendant.” That count is a Class 2 felony punishable by three to seven years in prison. Dierkes was appointed public defender William Starnes Friday morning’s bail hearing with bond being set at $1 million with 10% to apply and Dierkes is ordered to have no contact with the victim or anyone under the age of 18 years old. He will make his next appearance in court on December 17 at 10am for a first appearance with counsel and preliminary hearing in the matter. Dierkes remains in the Fayette County Jail pending the posting of bond.
Dierkes is a former art teacher who taught at the Okaw Area Vocational from 2012 to 2018 before leaving the school to become an Illinois State Police Officer, a position he has held for the last year since graduation the ISP Academy and completing field training this past Spring.
