Categories: WTVO

Stephenson County music teacher indicted for child pornography involving student

WINNEBAGO COUNTY, Ill. (WTVO) — A Stephenson County music teacher has been indicted on federal child pornography charges stemming from a 2024 investigation.

Collin Zier, 39, of Lena, was employed as a K-12 music and choir teacher for Orangeville Elementary School at the time of his arrest on September 5th, 2024.

Zier was also a high school band director, according to the Illinois High School Association.

The school district then placed him on administrative leave.

He is accused of sexual exploitation of a minor and was indicted Tuesday by a federal grand jury in Rockford on charges of producing child pornography, transporting child pornography, receiving child pornography, and possession of child pornography.

According to the Stephenson County Sheriff’s Office, a report was filed in June 2024 by an official with the Orangeville School District claiming that Zier was making contact with a student outside of the school.

He faces up to 60 years in prison and a fine of $1 million if convicted.

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