NASHVILLE, Ill. — A Nashville Community High School baseball coach and local teacher, Chad E. Malawy, was charged in Washington County Circuit Court after an investigation by the Illinois Attorney General’s Office and the Nashville Police Department into alleged sex crimes, authorities said. He entered a not guilty plea on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
T.J. Matthes, of the St. Louis-based firm Rosenblum, Schwartz, Fry and Johnson, is representing Malaway in the case.
Malawy, 54, of Nashville, Ill., was arrested June 29, 2026, after what Nashville Police described as a complex investigation that began several weeks earlier when a Nashville Police Department detective received what the department called significant information about alleged crimes.
Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s office said Malawy was charged with one count of Class 1 felony criminal sexual assault and one count of Class 1 felony aggravated criminal sexual abuse. The office said each charge is punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Malawy also was charged with two Class A misdemeanor counts of solicitation to obstruct justice and two Class A misdemeanor counts of attempted obstruction of justice.
Attorney General Raoul said the trauma experienced by survivors of sexual assault and abuse can leave lasting scars that never fully heal.
“It is reprehensible that a community member entrusted with coaching young people would violate the public’s trust in such a heinous way,” Raoul added. “I will continue to work with local law enforcement to hold such offenders accountable and keep our communities safe.”
“Criminal sexual assault is a heinous and indefensible crime,” ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly said. “ISP crime scene investigators will use every tool available to ensure those perpetrating these crimes are held accountable.”
Judge Daniel Janowski ordered Malawy released until trial under conditions that include GPS monitoring and no contact with the minors listed in the complaint or any Nashville High School student.
The charges stem from an investigation by Raoul’s office and the Nashville Police Department, with the Illinois State Police assisting with forensics. Assistant Attorney General Sarah Holst Schryer is prosecuting the case for Raoul’s office.
Malawy has also been placed on administrative leave.
Officials encouraged residents with additional information to submit a tip by calling Special Investigator Cloee Frank at 217-843-0347.
The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
