Woman Jailed on Child Sexual Abuse Charges

A New Berlin woman has been arrested following an investigation into allegations of an inappropriate relationship involving a minor, according to authorities.

On April 15, 2025, the New Berlin School District notified local law enforcement after receiving information regarding a school employee who was allegedly involved in an inappropriate relationship with a minor. The matter was later referred to the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division for further investigation.

Detectives with the Sheriff’s Office, working in coordination with the Department of Children and Family Services, the Sangamon County Child Advocacy Center, and the Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office, conducted a joint investigation into the allegations. The investigation resulted in the issuance of an arrest warrant for Lindsey Prather, 43, of New Berlin.

Prather has been charged with five counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and one count related to child sexual abuse material.

On March 19, 2026, Prather was taken into custody and booked into the Sangamon County Jail. She is currently awaiting arraignment and a detention hearing.

The Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office thanked the New Berlin School District for its cooperation throughout the investigation. Officials indicated that no further information will be released at this time.