(08/13/09 – Initial BadBadTeacher.com Report)
Jason Vanhoutte, 37, a social studies teacher at United Township High School in East Moline, Illinois who is also the head football coach at Orion High School in Orion, Illinois has reportedly been arrested on allegations of a sexual relationship with a female student.
Reportedly, Vanhoutte was arrested Wednesday afternoon on three counts of criminal sexual assault. The alleged victim attends United Township High School. The victim’s age has been described only as older than 13 and younger than 18-years-old.
VanHoutte came to the attention of East Moline police by way of a tip about inappropriate text messages between Jason VanHoutte and a female student. East Moline police then began working with Moline police, because the crimes are believed to have been committed in Moline, rather than East Moline.
It is alleged by police that text messages between VanHoutte and the female student indicate they had sex at his home in Moline and the three counts are based on different alleged incidents.
If convicted, VanHoutte faces from 4 to 15 years on each count.
VanHoutte was freed on $100,000 bond following his arrest.
Jason VanHoutte, who has taught social studies at United Township High School for 15 years, has been placed on paid administrative leave by the school system.
08/14/09 – VanHoutte Fired
The United Township High School Board has voted to terminate the employment of Jason VanHoutte.
Reportedly, Orion school officials have scheduled a meeting to discuss the situation next week.
09/01/09 – Preliminary Hearing Waived
Jason Van Houtte has waived his preliminary hearing and pleaded not guilty to all charges.
His trial on three counts of criminal sexual assault of a minor has been set for January 25th.
