CARBONDALE — Carbondale police have arrested a 25-year-old Oakwood High School Biology teacher for alleged criminal sexual abuse of a young girl in Jackson County.

Cody L. Baccia, was charged Tuesday in Jackson County Court with Class 2 felony aggravated criminal sexual abuse, the States Attorney for Jackson County, Michael C. Carr, announced today.

Baccia, of Fithian, Illinois, was arrested on May 9, 2016, on a warrant and posted $25,000, which is the statutory amount required for his $250,000 bond.  He is scheduled to appear June 1, 2016, at 1:00 p.m., for a first appearance.      

The Information alleges that the defendant knowingly committed an act of sexual penetration with his fingers on a person under 17 years of age, who was at least 13, and that the defendant was at least 5 years older. 

The offense allegedly occurred on April 22, 2016, in Jackson County and carries a penalty of a minimum of three years with a maximum of seven years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

A conviction also requires, pursuant to the School Code, that notification be made to the State Superintendent of Education due to Baccia’s employment as a Biology teacher at Oakwood High School in Vermillion County.