Martial Arts Instructor Charged With Sexual Assault | St. Clair County

A Shiloh, Illinois, Jiu-Jitsu instructor is facing multiple felony charges following an investigation into an alleged inappropriate sexual relationship with a teenage female student. Kody R. Strunk, 32, was taken into custody on February 4, 2026, and is now formally charged with 13 counts by the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office, as announced on Friday, February 6, 2026.

The charges stem from an investigation initiated after the Shiloh Police Department was contacted by the St. Louis County Police Department on January 30, 2026. Authorities were alerted to a potential “inappropriate sexual relationship” between Strunk and a student who attended a gym in St. Louis County, with possible incidents occurring at Strunk’s residence in Shiloh. The investigation quickly expanded to involve both departments, leading to the arrest and subsequent charges.

According to the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office, the 13-count warrant includes five counts of Criminal Sexual Assault, each classified as a Class One felony. There are also five counts of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse, designated as Class Two felonies. Further charges include two counts of Child Sexual Abuse Material, also Class One felonies, and one count of Unlawful Grooming, a Class Four felony. The severity of these charges underscores the seriousness with which law enforcement and the State’s Attorney’s Office are treating the allegations.

A critical turning point in the investigation came on February 2, 2026, when the victim provided a statement to detectives from both the Shiloh Police Department and the St. Louis County Police Department. Authorities have stated that this statement contained “critical information” that significantly advanced the investigation. The joint investigation involved the execution of multiple search warrants, indicating a thorough examination of evidence related to the case.

Strunk resides in the 100 block of Kathy Drive in Shiloh. The investigation focused not only on the alleged relationship but also on potential incidents that may have taken place at his home. The collaborative effort between the two police departments highlights the regional nature of the investigation and the commitment to pursuing justice in cases involving potential exploitation.

The case was submitted to the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office for warrant review on April 5, 2026, according to reports. Michael D. Wendling serves as the St. Clair County Prosecuting Attorney, overseeing the legal proceedings. His office is located in Port Huron, Michigan, and provides resources for victim’s rights and witness support.

The allegations against Strunk represent a significant breach of trust, particularly given his position as a martial arts instructor. Jiu-Jitsu, like many martial arts disciplines, often emphasizes respect, discipline, and mentorship. The alleged actions stand in stark contrast to these core values, raising concerns about the safety and well-being of students within the martial arts community.

While the investigation is ongoing, the charges filed against Strunk signal a strong prosecutorial stance. The St. Clair County court system provides resources for accessing court schedules and case records, as well as information on sex offender lookup and state prisoner lookup. The case is expected to proceed through the legal system, with further developments anticipated as evidence is presented and the legal process unfolds.

The Shiloh Police Department has not released further details regarding the investigation, citing the ongoing nature of the case and the need to protect the privacy of those involved. However, the charges filed clearly indicate the seriousness of the allegations and the commitment of law enforcement to holding individuals accountable for harmful behavior.