By WMBD TV
NORMAL, Ill. (WMBD) — A Chiddix Junior High School teacher was arrested Thursday on grooming charges after an investigation involving the United States Marshals Service.
On Wednesday, April 22, Brandon Knapp, 43, of Hudson, was indicted on two counts of grooming by a McLean County Grand Jury, said Normal Police Chief Steve Petrilli.
Knapp was arrested on April 23 by the United States Marshals Service Task Force.
McLean County Unit District No. 5 Superintendent Kristen Weikle said Knapp has been on administrative leave since January, following a Department of Children and Family Services investigation. During this time, he was not allowed to be on Unit 5 property.
In a message going to Chiddix families, Weikle said that while they will not initiate conversations with students about the specifics of this situation, support is available to students, families, and staff.
The message also contains links to resources, including Erin’s Law, offering guidance on personal safety and specifically how to talk to children in an age-appropriate way on these topics.
The school is also partnering with YWCA McLean County to provide immediate support for staff and students. The community service agency already provides prevention-oriented sexual abuse education across Unit 5 schools, according to the message.
Petrilli said in November 2025, the Normal Police Department started an investigation into allegations of grooming involving Knapp.
The Criminal Investigations Division conducted multiple interviews and worked with the McLean County State’s Attorney’s Office throughout the investigation.
WMBD TV first reported on this story. You can read the original story online at CIProud.com.
