Westville, IL – A Westville High School teacher has been arrested and charged after a month-long investigation by the Vermilion County Sheriff’s Department uncovered alleged misconduct involving a student.
Teacher Arrested and Charges Filed
Captain Michael Hartshorn of the Vermilion County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that 27-year-old Kaylee Broadway was taken into custody on charges of grooming and distribution of harmful materials to a minor. She was arraigned in Vermilion County court on Tuesday and later released pending trial.
Investigation Timeline Details Grooming of Student
Hartshorn said Westville Police first received a report on September 8 alleging that Broadway had sent nude photographs of herself to a student through a social media platform. Westville Police then asked the Sheriff’s Department to lead the investigation.
Over the past month, investigators conducted interviews, secured search warrants for the social media platform, and analyzed several electronic devices. “During the investigation, several explicit photos and videos, sexual in nature, were discovered that supported the allegations made against Broadway,” Hartshorn stated.
Employment Status and School Response to Teacher’s Arrest
As of Tuesday afternoon at 3:30 p.m., Broadway’s name appeared on Westville High School’s online staff directory as a science and math teacher. Within an hour of the arrest announcement, her name and photograph were removed.
Superintendent Seth Miller responded to media inquiries with a brief statement: “The Westville School District does not make it a practice to comment on personnel matters. The Westville School District does not make it a practice to comment on internal and/or external investigations.”
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are asking anyone with additional information related to the case to contact the Vermilion County Sheriff’s Department’s Investigation Division at 217-442-4080.
Legal Options for Families After Teacher Misconduct
When allegations of teacher-student abuse emerge, families are often faced with shock, confusion, and uncertainty about what steps to take next. In this interview, Illinois sexual abuse lawyer Erv Nevitt talks about the legal paths available to victims and parents when an educator is accused of exploitation or misconduct in a school setting.
Laurence Banville, Esq.: When cases like this surface, many families wonder what their legal rights are. What steps can they take if a teacher is accused of exploiting a student?
Erv Nevitt, Esq.: Families should know that in Illinois, both criminal and civil actions may be possible. Criminal charges address the offender’s conduct, while civil claims can hold schools or districts accountable if negligence played a role in allowing the behavior. Victims and parents can also seek compensation for emotional and psychological harm.
Banville: Are schools often found liable in these situations?
Nevitt: It depends on the evidence. If administrators ignore warning signs or fail to act on reports, they can face serious legal exposure. Each situation is unique, but consulting an attorney early helps families understand their options and protect the child’s well-being.
Protect Your Family’s Rights
Families affected by teacher misconduct should not face the aftermath alone. Legal professionals experienced in abuse cases can help determine the next steps and hold responsible parties accountable. If you or someone you love has been harmed, contact our team today for a free, confidential consultation and learn how we can help you move forward.
Source
Mr. Banville is a personal injury attorney who has experience in handling auto accidents, work injuries, medical malpractice, dog bites, slip and falls, and representing survivors and victims of sexual abuse. Mr. Banville is affiliated with law firms in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, D.C., and Maryland. Abuse Guardian
