Fairfield, IL – An Illinois pastor and Frontier Community College volleyball coach has been arrested on multiple sexual assault charges involving two alleged victims, one of them a minor.
Pastor and Coach Arrested on Multiple Charges
Chet Snyder, 51, of Fairfield, Illinois, faces counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, criminal sexual abuse, unlawful restraint, and unlawful delivery of alcohol to a minor.
Allegations Span Nearly a Decade
The first victim, identified in court records as T.S., accused Snyder of sexual touching between September and December 2016. T.S. was under 18 at the time and said Snyder used his authority as a teacher, coach, and youth minister to target him. A second victim, H.D., alleged Snyder assaulted him in August 2025. According to a citation, Snyder forcefully touched H.D.’s genitals inside a car, provided him alcohol despite his being under 21, and refused to let him leave, compelling him to drive around town during the incident.
Legal and Institutional Response to Pastor Abuse Allegations
Six days after the alleged car assault, H.D. sought and was granted a no-contact order against Snyder by a Wayne County circuit court judge. Snyder was arrested last week and appeared in court Monday, where the judge ordered his release on GPS monitoring, with restrictions barring contact with the alleged victims. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for October 7.
Frontier Community College placed Snyder, hired in December 2024, on paid administrative leave after learning of the temporary protection order. In a statement, Illinois Eastern Community Colleges clarified that the accusations do not involve its students or Snyder’s duties at the school, but it is committed to continuing to cooperate with law enforcement.
Church and Community Reaction to Pastor’s Arrest
Snyder is listed as president of The Journey Church in Fairfield in state filings, though the church has not issued a public statement and did not respond to media inquiries. Photos on the church’s Facebook page show Snyder frequently in leadership roles, including baptisms.
Community reactions have been divided. J.A. Williams, a longtime acquaintance of Snyder, posted on social media expressing grief over the arrest. “The news of the accusations is heartbreaking,” Williams wrote, adding that while Snyder was respected by many in Fairfield, if the allegations are true, any past good does not excuse wrongdoing.
Snyder previously coached at the local high school for over two decades before becoming head coach at the college. His case has drawn significant attention in Fairfield, a small town now watching closely as the legal process moves toward his October hearing.
Legal Options for Families of Children Abused by Pastors
When allegations of sexual abuse are raised against faith leaders, families often struggle to understand what legal steps can be taken. To address these concerns, Illinois sexual abuse lawyer Erv Nevitt discusses the criminal and civil remedies available to families of children harmed by a pastor and how the law in Illinois supports survivors who decide to come forward.
Laurence Banville, Esq.: For victims who’ve endured abuse at the hands of a pastor or someone in a position of authority, what legal options exist in Illinois?
Erv Nevitt, Esq.: Victims in Illinois can take both criminal and civil action. The state prosecutes cases like these under statutes covering sexual assault, abuse, and unlawful restraint. But beyond criminal charges, victims can also file civil lawsuits against the individual and, in some cases, the institution that allowed the abuse to occur if negligence is shown.
Banville: Many readers may wonder if time matters. For example, one of the allegations involving Snyder goes back several years. Can those victims still come forward?
Nevitt: Yes, time can be a factor, but Illinois has extended its statute of limitations in cases involving sexual abuse of minors. Victims often gain more space to file civil claims even if the incidents happened years ago, especially when the abuser was in a position of trust and authority.
Banville: What steps should victims or their families take if they’re unsure about reporting or seeking legal help?
Nevitt: The first step is to talk with an attorney who has experience handling these cases. Legal counsel can review what happened, explain options for reporting to law enforcement, and outline the potential for compensation through a civil claim. Importantly, many law firms will handle these consultations confidentially and compassionately, ensuring victims don’t feel pressured or alone.
Standing With Survivors and Families
No one should face the pain of abuse alone. If you or a loved one has been harmed by a pastor or someone in a position of authority, our legal team is here to listen and guide you through your options. Contact us today for a confidential, free consultation and take the first step toward protecting your rights and your future.
Source
https://julieroys.com/illinois-pastor-snyder-facing-multiple-sexual-assault-charges/
