Du Quoin | Illinois State Police have arrested Jon W. Montgomery of Du Quoin on charges of possession and dissemination of child pornography. Montgomery, 70, is a former middle school band director who taught 26 years with Du Quoin Unit District #300. He is also a former church staff member with connections to Baptist life in Illinois, including the Illinois Baptist State Association (IBSA).
According to local news reports, a search warrant was served at Montgomery’s home on June 11, where electronic evidence of child pornography was collected. He was taken into custody at the Perry County jail on July 23.
Montgomery was arraigned on eleven charges: four Class X Felony charges, which include 10 counts of reproduction/dissemination of child pornography, and seven Class 2 Felony charges, which include 56 counts of possession of child pornography.
Montgomery retired from his teaching position in 2011. He served First Baptist Church of Du Quoin as Minister of Music from 1997-1999 and served volunteer terms on two IBSA Committees from 2021-2025.
A preliminary hearing on the charges is set for August 13 in Perry County court.