A judge called it “children’s worst nightmare” and ordered a longtime Libertyville middle school teacher, who is a father, held awaiting trial after prosecutors say he recorded students and used AI to create child sexual abuse material.
Marshall Sheffer, 44, of Libertyville, was charged with eight counts of child sexual abuse material, two of which are Class X felonies and the other six are Class 1 felonies.
An investigation began after students at Highland Middle School, 310 West Rockland Road in Libertyville, reported to school staff that they believed their teacher was video recording them.
The Libertyville Police Department obtained Sheffer’s phone and a forensic examination was conducted by the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office (LCSAO) Cyber Lab.
It was revealed that numerous images of students had been possessed by Sheffer and then altered using artificial intelligence (AI) to create sexually explicit images.
Detectives recovered multiple electronic devices during the investigation and executed a search warrant at Sheffer’s residence.
They were assisted by the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office Canine Grip and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Canine Enzo, which are trained electronic storage detection dogs, to find and seize any additional explicit child images.
“This was a highly sensitive, complex and lengthy investigation. Its success relied on the work of our Investigators and the close collaboration with our partners at the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office, Cyber Crimes Division, the Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center, and Libertyville School District 70,” Libertyville Police Chief Ed Roncone said.
Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart said protecting children from exploitation and abuse is his office’s top priority.
“The Libertyville Police Department, our Cyber Crimes Division, ESD K9 Grip, ESD K9 Enzo, and the Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center have done great work investigating this case. We are committed to holding these offenders accountable and using every available tool, including digital forensics and K9 resources, to keep our community safe,” Rinehart said.
Libertyville School District 70 Superintendent Rebecca Jenkins sent a letter to families and staff following the arrest and said that it was “difficult news” to share that Sheffer, who worked as a social studies teacher at Highland Middle School in Libertyville, had been arrested.
Jenkins said the school notified police and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services after several students came forward to HMS leaders on the second-to-last day of school — June 3.
Jenkins said the children reported inappropriate photos and videos taken by Sheffer that afternoon in his classroom.
“We owe a debt of gratitude to the students who came forward. By speaking up, they took an important step that helps us to protect our school community,” she said.
“District 70 has fully cooperated with the police, which included limiting our public communications on this matter to protect the integrity of their investigation. At this time, due to the nature of the ongoing investigation and the legal obligation to protect the confidentiality of information regarding children under age 18, the police have not shared with the district any information about the identities of the children involved,” Jenkins said.
The superintendent said that based on their discussions with the police, it is believed that the evidence used to pursue the charges includes AI-altered versions of pictures of current and former District 70 students that were taken on school grounds. Additional victims may be identified.
Sheffer, who was a District 70 employee for 18 years, was immediately removed from the classroom and placed on administrative leave that day. “We anticipate Board action on this matter as soon as possible.”
District 70 said they opened a formal investigation as required by Title IX and notified the Illinois State Board of Education of the charges.
“The Board and administration, in consultation with legal counsel, will also be conducting a thorough review and will recommend necessary changes to strengthen or expand our District policies regarding staff use of personal technology during the school day, AI and student photo/video protocols and permissions,” Jenkins said.
“Criminal allegations involving an educator are upsetting and unsettling for students, families, and staff. Supporting our students’ well-being is our immediate focus,” Jenkins said.
Sheffer surrendered on Friday morning after charges were filed and appeared in First Appearance Court on Sunday morning.
The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office filed a petition to detain Sheffer in the Lake County Jail while the case is pending.
A detention hearing was held on Monday afternoon and Lake County Judge James Newman granted the request.
Prosecutors said in court that students reported noticing from April to June that Sheffer had his phone out in a way that he may have been taking photos or videos.
Some of them saw his screen and saw a red dot indicating he was recording.
Sheffer admitted to taking photos of an activity in class on June 3 but said he deleted them, prosecutors said, adding that Sheffer used the guise of his own child having diabetes as a reason for having his phone out while he secretly took photos of his students.
Prosecutors said the search of his phone showed multiple students in the school and the images were later altered using AI to make the children, who are ages 12-14, appear nude. The AI app used was found on his phone.
There were photos recovered of former juvenile students, who are now adults, who had also been victims, prosecutors said. Photos of the current and former student victims were taken in both Sheffer’s classroom and in the hallway.
Prosecutors argued for Sheffer to be held in custody, saying “he is a predator” who used his position as a teacher to create the explicit images and that children are not safe around him.
Newman said he was thankful that the children came forward with their concerns that prompted the investigation.
He said law enforcement’s discovery was probably those “children’s worst nightmare.” The judge added that Sheffer was not just alleged to be possessing child sexual abuse material but creating it.
“This court is extremely concerned that they exist… He’s the one who created them. Where are they? Are they all in a safe location?” Newman questioned regarding where the child sexual abuse material was and whether the files could be distributed on the internet if Sheffer was released from jail.
Authorities say they continue working closely with the families and students impacted by the crimes to keep them informed about charges and connect them with support services.
Sheffer is scheduled to appear in court again on July 28 for a preliminary hearing.