Princeville school resource officer removed from job

 Published Date: January 13, 2026

By NICK VLAHOS
For The Weekly Post

PRINCEVILLE – The Peoria County Sheriff’s Office deputy who for a decade has been stationed in the Princeville School District has been removed from that job.

An internal investigation resulted in the action taken against Deputy Crystal Strauss, Sheriff Chris Watkins stated Monday. Strauss, who became the Princeville school resource officer in September 2015, has been reassigned to patrol duties.

The Strauss investigation regarded alleged policy violations, according to Watkins. He was not more specific. The Princeville SRO job opening has been posted internally. Watkins expects it to be filled next week.

According to Princeville Superintendent Tony Shinall, the sheriff’s office informed the district Jan. 2 that it would be receiving a new SRO. Shinall had no additional comment.

Strauss joined the sheriff’s office in March 2014, according to Watkins. In 2025, Strauss was among 12 statewide finalists from more than 650 nominees for Illinois School Resource Officers Association Officer of the Year. The winner was Officer Candi Buhl of the Canton Police Department.

The school district and village government split the cost of the Princeville SRO. Separately, the village contracts with the sheriff’s office for overall police protection in Princeville. Local government is not involved with the current issues regarding Strauss, according to Village President Jeff Troutman.

Word about Strauss’ reassignment spread quickly in the Princeville community, particularly through social media. Most posts supported Strauss.

“I don’t even have any kids in the district, but I know she is amazing and those kids loved her,” Alicia Vonk posted on the Princeville Families Facebook page. “She doesn’t deserve this at all.”

A community meeting regarding Strauss was expected to take place Wednesday night at High Voltage Taphouse in Princeville. The meeting was to be held after The Weekly Post deadline. The next Princeville School Board meeting is scheduled for Jan. 13.

The Weekly Post has filed Illinois Freedom of Information Act requests with the sheriff’s office and the Peoria County State’s Attorney’s Office for documents related to Strauss’ reassignment.