WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Ill. (WJPF) – An educator of the Herrin Elementary School is facing sexual assault charges.

Christopher Ballard of Carterville was taken into custody April 22nd in connection to an ongoing investigation into improper conduct with a former student. The incidents date back to 2016 and 2017.

Ballard is currently employed by the Williamson County Special Education District and is assigned to the Herrin Elementary School. He has been placed on administrative leave.

The investigation is part of a broader investigation into faculty within the Carterville Unit 5 School District. Multiple court-authorized search warrants have been carried out as part of the investigation. The investigation led to the victim of Ballard to being identified.

Ballard faces two counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault and two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse. 

He was taken to the Williamson County Jail. Investigations remain active and ongoing.