McLean County prosecutors will not file charges against a longtime former teacher and coach who was accused of battery in a classroom at University High School last month.
McLean County State’s Attorney Erika Reynolds confirmed on Friday her office will not pursue the case involving Mike Troll.
Illinois State University Police said Troll, 64, was arrested on Sept. 19 on a preliminary charge of simple battery in an incident that involved a student while Troll was working as a substitute teacher. That charge is made when physical contact is considered intentional and offensive but involves no or limited injuries.
The state’s attorney’s office had sent the matter back to police last week for “additional follow-up,” according to Reynolds.
ISU Police Chief Aaron Woodruff said police followed up with additional witness interviews before resubmitting the case to prosecutors.
Troll coached football at U-High for nearly 20 years and was on the coaching staff as recently as last year. He also taught science at the school.
A scheduled Oct. 10 court date has been canceled, according to Reynolds, who explained the court date is a product of the new Pretrial Fairness Act, in which hearings can be scheduled in advance of any assessment of formal charges.
Troll referred WGLT to his attorney for comment. His attorney, Michael Nichols, said in a statement Troll and his family appreciate all the support from the community and that he is "happy to put this behind him."
"Mr. Troll has been a pillar in the community and has worked his whole career to support young people, he (sic) happy with the outcome of this matter. He is thankful for the efforts of local law enforcement and the McLean County State's Attorney's office for doing their due diligence and bringing this matter to a swift conclusion. He looks forward to continue to coach, teach, and mentor young people as he has for nearly two decades," Nichols said.
U-High Principal Andrea Market said Troll remains on the laboratory schools' substitute teacher list "and is welcome to return to work." Markert had said after the arrest Troll would not be considered for any work at the laboratory schools.
Metcalf school incident
The state's attorney is also reviewing a report involving a sign language interpreter at Thomas Metcalf School in Normal last Friday.
Metcalf is ISU’s pre-K through 8 lab school.
Police said that involved physical contact the interpreter made with a student during a dispute between two students in P.E. class. Students reported the contact to the office. Police were called.
Officers issued a notice to appear.
