School employee charged with child sexual abuse in New Berlin

NEW BERLIN, Ill. (WAND) - A school employee of the New Berlin School District has been charged with child sexual abuse.

On April 15, 2025, the New Berlin School District notified local police about a school employee engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a minor. The district stated that the now-former employee, who worked for the district from May 2021 to April 2025, was put on leave on April 11 and was fired by the Board of Education 10 days later.

Sangamon County Sheriff's Office detectives conducted an investigation that resulted in an arrest warrant being issued for 43-year-old Lindsey Prather of New Berlin. She was charged with five counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and one count of child sexual abuse material.

On March 19, Prather was taken into custody at the Sangamon County Jail, where she is awaiting a detention hearing.

The New Berlin School District sent the following statement to WAND News:

"Our mission remains to provide a safe and nurturing learning environment for all of our students, and the safety of our children is of paramount importance. The allegations against Ms. Prather allege conduct that violates the core principles and values of our District. We will continue to work tirelessly to support and protect our children, and our team stands ready to assist any students or staff members who are negatively impacted by this indictment. As always, the District encourages any student or person with any concerns to report them to administration."