Custodian accused of unlawful videotaping at Crest Hill school

CREST HILL, Ill. (WLS) -- A school custodian at Chaney Monge School in southwest suburban Crest Hill is charged with unlawful videotaping and being held on $25,000 bond, police said Tuesday.

Some parents expressed shock and anger after learning of the arrest from school administrators, who called parents and posted a message on the school's website.

Ryan Thompson, 27, has been charged with one count of unauthorized videotaping, which is a felony.

Chaney-Monge is a combined elementary and middle school. In court, prosecutors said Thompson used his phone to videotape eight grade girls in a locker room from under the door of a supply closet. Police said they have discovered video of only one incident but they are investigating Thompson's other electronic devices.

"It's currently under investigation. We're going to keep looking and searching electronic media to find any more images, if there is any more images, or any further criminal activity," said Interim Chief Ed Clark, Crest Hill Police Department.

Investigators have declined to say in detail what the images show and how the images came to light. But they say they were taken between February 1 and March 11.

"We've been in contact with the administration from Chaney Monge, and they're working hand and hand with families to make sure that the children are still safe. We'll continue to work with them. This case will continue to be under investigation. There is a lot of work to be done," Clark said.

"The school district has to do a better job in sifting through who should be working at the public schools with these kids," said parent Erick Rice.

The district superintendent in a statement said: "...we are cooperating with the police in every way possible. Please be assured that the safety and security of our students is and always has been our top priority."

School officials say Thompson has been removed from the district.