By WMBD TV
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WMBD) — A Chiddix Junior High teacher has been arrested Wednesday after he was indicted for alleged child exploitation.
A 42-count bill of indictment was returned by a McLean County grand jury Wednesday that included charges of indecent solicitation of a child, grooming and possession of child sex abuse material against Andrew “Drew” Miller, 40, of Normal, said Bryce Janssen, a Bloomington Police Department spokesman.
The charges came after a months-long investigation following the report of a person who said they had sent pictures to Miller that were allegedly sexual in nature. Janssen said the pictures were also sent when the victim was a minor, and Miller held a position of trust or authority.
On Feb. 18, detectives searched Miller’s workplace, his home in Normal and his vehicle. Several electronic devices were seized and analyzed by the department’s Cyber Crimes Unit.
Janssen said after a review of a large amount of digital evidence, investigators identified more victims and gathered evidence that ultimately led to charges.
On Wednesday, June 17, after the indictment was returned, Miller was arrested after a traffic stop near Bunn Street and Hamilton Road in Bloomington.
He was taken to the McLean County Detention Center. A pretrial detention hearing is scheduled for June 18.
Paul Deters with the Lexington School District also said that on Feb. 27, Miller had been fired from his position as a volunteer coach with the Lexington-Ridgeview cheer program.
After his arrest, McLean County Unit School District 5 Superintendent Kristen Weikle released a statement to families where she said Miller has been on administrative leave since Feb. 18, while a police investigation had been ongoing.
“This news is deeply unsettling, and we share the concern that many in our school community are feeling regarding this type of alleged behavior,” Weikle said. “The safety and well-being of our students and families are our highest priorities, and behavior that compromises that will not be tolerated in our district.”
The statement also said that for parents wanting to talk to children about the situation, Unit 5 recommends reviewing the parent resources available through Erin’s Law, which offers guidance on personal safety and how to talk with children about these topics.
Additionally, Stepping Stones through the YWCA McLean County provides 24-hour support for survivors of sexual assault and abuse and their families. Trained advocates are available at (309) 556-7000.
Anyone with additional information related to this case or who believes they may have had similar interactions with Miller should contact Detective Weston Gresham at (309) 434-2570 or wgresham@cityblm.org.
WMBD TV first reported this story. You can read the original story online at CIProud.com.
