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Springfield, IL  (WAND TV) – A former school resource officer and police chief pleaded guilty to multiple counts of child pornography and grooming.

James Hillyer was sentenced on July 3 to 364 days in the Sangamon County Jail, with credit for one day served. He was also given 48 months’ probation and will have to register for life as a sex offender for life as part of a plea deal.

Seven counts were dismissed as part of the plea agreement. Hillyer pleaded guilty to four counts of child pornography, two counts of official misconduct, and one count of grooming.

The Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office filed charges against James Hillyer in May 2023.

Hillyer worked as a School Resource Officer in the Riverton School District as a Riverton Police Officer and formerly served as the Chief of Police for the Village of Spaulding.

A joint statement sent following Hillyer’s arrest from the Riverton School District and the Village of Riverton said that allegations of misconduct were made by a student against a School Resource Officer on February 23, 2023.

Upon learning of the allegations, the village, through the Police Chief and Village President, removed Hillyer from the school buildings and began the process to put him on unpaid administrative leave.

The Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office investigated, with cooperation from the village and school district, which resulted in the charges filed.

The Village terminated Hillyer’s employment following his arrest.

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