MARION – A Carterville School District employee is under investigation for allegedly sexually abusing a former student according to the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation began after authorities acted on a lead originally provided by the FBI. An investigation into the matter was conducted Friday with it being elevated to an official criminal investigation into allegations of sexual abuse.

The sheriff’s office notified school district officials Friday night about the investigation and also contacted the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. The school district employee was put on administrative leave. No name was released.

As this investigation continues, authorities say that there may be additional victims and they are pursuing all leads.

Anyone who may have been a victim, now or in the past, should come forward and call the sheriff’s office at 618-997-6541 or email wcsheriff@wcsheriff.com. You may also leave an anonymous tip on the sheriff’s app.