State's Attorney: Okaw Valley teacher targeted another minor victim, wanted to make her his "wife"

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 may have targeted yet another victim, officials said.

Jason R. Engler, 45, of Shelbyville appeared in court Monday morning for an arraignment and detention hearing in Sullivan.

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.

A public defender was assigned to represent Engler. Judge Jeremy Richey ordered him to be held in custody pending trial.