Bond Set At $750,000 For Chicago-Area Teacher, Shannon Griffin, Charged With Criminal Sexual Assault, Solicitation of Child Pornography
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Bond for a Burbank private school teacher accused of sexual assaulting a student has been set at $750,000.
Shannon Griffin, 49, who is also the wife of the school's pastor, was charged with five counts of criminal sexual assault, one count solicitation of child pornography, one count of distribution of harmful materials, and one count of grooming. According to Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart, the Oak Lawn woman's alleged conduct involved two juvenile students at Jordan Baptist School.
Griffin's attorney said her client maintains her innocence and intends to fight the charges. She also said Griffin's family will work to raise the required 10%, or $75,000, to post bail.
The Sheriff's office stated its month-long investigation found Griffin engaged in sexual conduct with a minor enrolled at the school. The investigation found the teacher's conduct "started in 2013 and continued until March of 2019."
"The investigation also revealed that Griffin sent nude pictures and videos of herself to and requested nude pictures from the minor and another juvenile victim, also enrolled at the school," according to a statement from Dart's office.
The two alleged victims were ages 15 and 16 when the abuse occurred. Prosecutors allege Griffin abused one student six times, five while he was under 18. She also allegedly provided him with alcohol.
Griffin did not sexually abuse the second victim but allegedly sent him nude photos.
Jordan Baptist School has been around for nearly 30 years. Little is known about the school, but on the now shut down website, CBS 2 found eight staff members, including Griffin, her two daughters and her husband as the administrator.
No one came to the Griffins' home Wednesday.
One neighbor says he saw police activity at the home Monday morning.
The only information the state has is the information provided by the private school. The last time they turned over that information was in 2013 when they had fewer than 10 students in each grade. Total enrollment was around 80 student.s
As a private school, they get no government funding. Because of that, they have no oversight from the state and the teachers do not need to be certified.
Jordan Baptist School was closed Wednesday, and some believe it may be closed for good.
"If there are more victims out there we want you to come forward," said Sheriff's Police 1st Deputy Chief Marlon Parks.
Anyone with further information is encouraged to call the Sheriff's office at 708-865-4720.
Griffin is due back in court July 30.