A longtime former teacher and football coach was arrested at University High School in Normal and accused of battery after a classroom incident that involved a student.
Michael Troll was arrested by Illinois State University Police on Tuesday. ISU Police responded to the school that afternoon following a report that Troll, working as a substitute teacher, placed his hands on a student in the classroom.
Because the student is a juvenile, details available to the public and news media regarding the incident were scarce, although ISU Police Chief Aaron Woodruff said the nature of the report and evidence present led police to charge Troll, 64, with simple battery — a charge made when physical contact is considered intentional and offensive but involves no or limited injuries.
On Monday, Illinois became the first state in the nation to eliminate cash bail as a means of securing release from jail; after his arrest Tuesday, Troll was released and given a notice to appear in court at a later date.
In the meantime, the McLean County state's attorney's office will review the case for possible formal charges against Troll.
Troll coached football at U-High for nearly 20 years and also taught high school science courses. As recently as last year, Troll was an assistant coach with the varsity football team. In a statement to WGLT regarding Troll's current status, principal Andrea Markert said he "remains on the substitute list but is not currently being considered for any work at the University, which includes the Laboratory Schools."
University High School is a laboratory school for ISU's College of Education. The school does not have dedicated school resource officers, meaning ISU Police respond to the school.
