Teacher From Crystal Lake, Youth Sports Coach Held On Child Sex Abuse Material Charges

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL — A Crystal Lake man who was working as a teacher and youth sports coach when he was arrested on child sexual abuse material charges will remain in custody while his case moves forward, prosecutors said.

Last week, McHenry County Judge Jennifer Johnson granted a prosecutors' request to deny pretrial release for John Anderlik, 27, of Crystal Lake, according to a news release from the McHenry County State's Attorney's Office.

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Wauconda District 118 officials said Anderlik taught sixth grade and coached girls basketball at Matthews Middle School, according to NBC 5. Officials, in an alert to families, referred to his arrest "difficult and concerning news."

Anderlik appeared in court Sept. 25 on two counts of dissemination of child sexual abuse material, Class X felonies, and two counts of possession of child sexual abuse material, Class 2 felonies. The investigation began Sept. 8 when Crystal Lake police received a tip from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children regarding a Snapchat account that had allegedly been used in August to upload a video containing child sexual abuse material, prosecutors said.

Crystal Lake Detective Michael Maloney obtained a search warrant for the Snapchat account, and investigators allegedly identified Anderlik as the account's owner and user.

Prosecutors said evidence presented in court indicated the account was used to send and receive child sexual abuse material.

Authorities also allege Anderlik exchanged messages with another person in which he discussed a sexual interest in prepubescent children and referenced his work as a teacher in connection with that interest. At the time of his arrest, Anderlik was employed as a teacher in Wauconda Community Unit School District 118 and also coached youth sports locally, according to prosecutors.

"These are seriously disturbing allegations, particularly given this man's position of trust and access to young people," Freese said.

Deputy Chief Brian Miller argued on behalf of the state that Anderlik should remain detained, citing concerns among parents following his arrest.

"Since the news of the Defendant's arrest broke, parents in this community have been second-guessing who they entrust their children to," Miller said during the detention proceedings, according to the state's attorney's office.

The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are asking anyone with information concerning Anderlik that could be relevant to the case to contact Crystal Lake police at 815-356-3620. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by texting "CLPDTIP" followed by the information to 847411.

Anderlik is scheduled to return to court Oct. 1 in Courtroom 302.