Okaw Valley teacher accused of grooming, sexual abuse of minors takes plea in Shelby County

MOULTRIE COUNTY, Ill. (WAND) - An Okaw Valley teacher who is accused of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, grooming, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor has agreed to a plea in Shelby County.

Jason R. Engler, 45, of Shelbyville, is charged in two counties, Shelby and Moultrie.

Engler took an open plea in Shelby County, pleading guilty to one count of grooming. A count of indecent solicitation of a minor was dismissed. Sentencing is set for Dec. 18.

Engler previously took a plea in Moultrie County on October 25, pleading guilty to two counts.

The Moultrie County State's Attorney's Office presented evidence that an investigation of Engler started in Shelby County, resulting in his arrest. Those charges include grooming. The victim was a student at Okaw Valley schools, where Engler was formerly a teacher and track coach, Moultrie County State's Attorney Tracy Weaver said.

Engler was initially arrested by Findlay Police after being contacted by the school district. Engler had been put on home confinement by a Shelby County judge before being arrested on similar charges in Moultrie County.

Weaver added that Bethany Police have now learned of an additional victim who lives in Bethany. Officers said they found a journal in Engler's home that referenced the minor victim by name and said he wanted to take the victim to Ohio to make her his "wife."

Officials said Engler admitted to Bethany Police that he sent the minor victim pornographic images of himself on social media and requested pornographic images of her in return. Police said Engler also directed a third party to communicate with the victim when Engler recognized he should not be having contact with her.