Authorities: School janitor made video of students in locker room

CREST HILL - A junior high school custodian has been arrested for allegedly making inappropriate videos of students.

Ryan M. Thompson, 27, was arrested about 5:30 p.m. Monday after staff called police to Chaney-Monge School, 400 Elsie Ave., according to Chief Ed Clark. Thompson has been charged with one count of unauthorized video recording – a felony count carrying a one- to six-year prison sentence if he is convicted.

"During school hours (Monday) it was learned he was video recording eighth-grade females in the locker room from under the door of the supply closet," Will County Assistant State's Attorney Chris Messina told Judge Art Smigielski during a hearing Tuesday.

The maintenance supervisor admitted to police he recorded students several times from the closet during the last month for sexual gratification, according to Messina. Clark said Thompson used a cell phone to make the videos.

"We are still investigating this matter and officers will be very present at the school," Clark said. On Tuesday afternoon, Thompson asked to be represented by the public defender, but Smigielski denied that request and set a bond amount of $25,000.

"As offensive as the charge is, it's still a probationable offense," the judge noted.

If Thompson does make bail, he cannot have any contact with minors, use the internet or have any contact with Chaney-Monge School, Smigielski ordered. Thompson also will have to surrender his firearm owner's identification card and any guns he owns while the case is pending.

Court records indicate Thompson has an address in Lockport, but he told Smigielski on Tuesday that he is a Joliet resident.