Creston athletic trainer faces 12 charges in alleged student relationship at Indian Creek

An Illinois high school athletic trainer, Christina G. Payton of Creston, was charged with 12 counts (four official misconduct, four counts of distributing harmful material to a minor, and four related misdemeanors) for allegedly sending sexually explicit photos of herself to a 17-year-old Indian Creek High School student. Several charges were elevated to felonies due to cellphone use. Payton was released under the SAFETY Act with conditions (no contact with the student, travel restrictions, probation compliance) and is due in Lee County court on Aug. 27; the district says it is cooperating and prioritizes student safety.