FAYETTE COUNTY — A 29-year-old Illinois State Trooper was charged Friday in Fayette County Court with Class 1 felony criminal sexual assault and Class 2 felony criminal sexual abuse.

According to an ISP press release, the Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Internal Investigation arrested Trooper James T. Dierkes, of Donnelson, on Friday.

Agents had conducted an investigation into allegations made by a victim who stated that she and Dierkes had inappropriate sexual contact on multiple occasions during his employment at the Vandalia Community High School in Vandalia.

The investigation then led to another victim who alleged she also had inappropriate sexual contact with Dierkes on multiple occasions.

On Dec. 3, 2019, ISP received a request for assistance from the Vandalia City Police department, regarding allegations of criminal sexual assault made against Dierkes.

The reported incidents occurred in 2016 during Dierkes’ employment at the Vandalia Community High School, prior to his employment with the ISP.

On Dec. 6, 2019, ISP DII Agents took Dierkes into custody, and he was immediately relieved of duty. He is being held at the Fayette County Jail with bail set at $1 million.

Dierkes has been employed with the ISP since June of 2018. Anyone wishing to provide additional information is encouraged to call the ISP at (217-622-0924).