WILLIAMSON COUNTY — Marion Police say they are investigating a report that a teacher at Marion Junior High School allegedly put a 12-year-old boy in a closet there because he didn’t do his homework and was disrupting the class.

Reports say the teacher, whose name is not being released, put the boy in what was labeled “Closet 2” several times in recent weeks.

He even tried escaping from the closet. The boy’s family has filed a complaint with police and the Williamson County State’s Attorney’s office regarding the incidents.

State’s Attorney Brandon Zanotti told the Southern Illinoisan he is waiting for the police report before determining if a crime was committed.

The Marion School District and Williamson County Education Services are investigating.

The boy’s family claims the teacher has been suspended and a teacher’s aide put the boy in the closet.
School officials would not say if the teacher has been suspended, but did say those allegedly involved are cooperating.