Limestone Community High School employee arrested for sex crime against student

On November 9, 2024By Pranco

BARTONVILLE (25News Now) – Bartonville police have arrested a Limestone Community High School employee for criminal sexual assault of a student.

The school superintendent said Ronnie Baskin, 37, was working in a non-teaching capacity. The district’s Facebook page lists Baskin as an employee in the school’s Information Technology (IT) department.

Baskin has also been charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor and furnishing alcohol to a minor.

Authorities said the allegations came to light Friday and school administrators contacted police and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

Superintendent Keith Brown said the district will conduct its own investigation. He said it will be treated as a confidential personnel matter.

This is what Brown said in a letter to parents:

“The school administration today received a report regarding an alleged inappropriate relationship between a staff member in a non-teaching role and a student. We were naturally concerned about the allegations and immediately contacted local law enforcement authorities and the Department of Children and Family Services.

Bartonville Police continue to investigate the alleged conduct. The district has no further information about the allegations and cannot comment further on the law enforcement investigation, possible criminal charges or related legal proceedings.

In the meantime, the district will continue its own investigation into the situation and take appropriate action. The safety and security of our students is paramount, and the suitability of the educational environment is of course critical to our mission. The administration and the Board of Education will take appropriate steps to investigate and take all necessary measures to protect the welfare and safety of Limestone students.

The district’s personnel investigation into the serious allegations will be prompt and thorough. In accordance with normal procedures, Limestone’s investigation will be conducted as a confidential personnel matter. The district cannot provide more information on a confidential investigative matter at this time and cannot comment on an ongoing investigation until it is completed and final action is taken.

We will provide further information if necessary.”

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