Former Principal of Collinsville Private School Charged with Sexual Abuse of Male Student

By Elizabeth Donald
Belleville News-Democrat
March 7, 2014

http://www.bnd.com/2014/03/07/3095991/former-principal-of-collinsville.html

Robert Allen Lane.

The former principal of the Collinsville Christian Academy has been charged with twice trying to sexually abuse a former student.

Robert Allen Lane, 57, of Troy, has been charged by the Madison County state's attorney's office with two felony counts of attempted aggravated sexual abuse, a Class 3 felony.

Marshall Hillman, an attorney representing the Collinsville Christian Academy, said the school is cooperating with authorities.

"The board is cooperating fully with the investigation. Until all facts are known, there will be no further comment," Hillman said.

According to Collinsville Police, the investigation involved a boy between the ages of 13 and 18 who was a student at the school. The student alleged two sexual incidents on the school's campus during normal business hours. Court documents allege that on at least two occasions from September to November, Lane attempted to fondle the student's sexual organs.

Lt. Todd Link of Collinsville Police confirmed that there was "one victim locally so far," but said there may be other victims. Lane had previous teaching positions in other places throughout the state, he said.

"We're still following up on those leads," Link said.

Lane was the principal of Collinsville Christian Academy, a kindergarten through 12th-grade school, from August 2010 to December 2013. It could not immediately be determined why he was let go. However, Link said the school was aware of his investigation, which began in November 2013.

Collinsville Christian Academy is operated by Son-Life Church in the former Collinsville High School building. Church leaders could not be reached for comment, and current principal Deedra Mager declined to comment.

According to biographical information still listed on the academy's website, Lane has 16 years of teaching experience and served as head basketball coach. He is married and has one daughter and one son. Lane could not be reached for comment Friday.

Madison County Circuit Judge Richard Tognarelli set bail at $100,000. Lane has posted a $10,000 bond and has been released from custody.

Police believe that there may be other potential victims. Anyone with information is asked to call Lt. Todd Link at 344-2131, ext. 5126, or the tip line at 301-4444.