Actor and Theatre Teacher Indicted on Federal Child-Exploitation Charges —

A former theatre teacher at a prominent South Carolina private school has been indicted on federal charges involving child sexual abuse material.

Jonathan Andrew Monk, 44, formerly worked at Heathwood Hall Episcopal School in Columbia. A federal grand jury returned a nine-count indictment charging Monk with attempted production, distribution and possession of child sexual abuse material.

According to the indictment, Monk allegedly used several usernames on the messaging app Kik to communicate with two minors, ages 15 and 16. Prosecutors accuse him of attempting to coerce the minors into sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual material. He is also accused of sending multiple files containing child sexual abuse material between August and November 2025.

The publicly reported allegations do not identify the minors or establish that they were students at Heathwood Hall.

Monk also had a significant association with Columbia’s Trustus Theatre. In a post welcoming him into the Trustus Company during its 32nd season, the theatre described Monk as a professional actor who had worked Off-Broadway, Off-Off-Broadway and at regional theatres. Trustus said he had appeared in its productions of Bill W. and Dr. Bob and Peter and the Starcatcher, participated in its Loaded Late Night Sketch Comedy series and performed solo shows as a clown character named Heathcliff.

Trustus describes its company as a group of artists actively involved in creating its productions and events. Monk’s name does not appear on the theatre’s current public company roster.

Kelsey Mesa, the executive artistic director of Trustus, said the theater has been made aware of the indictment against Monk.

“We remain committed to the safety of our community,” she added.

There is currently no publicly reported allegation connecting Trustus Theatre, its productions, or its artists to the conduct described in the federal indictment.

Heathwood Hall confirmed that Monk was a former employee and said the school’s priority remains the safety and support of its students, staff, and families. The school said it is cooperating fully with law enforcement.

Monk faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in federal prison if convicted.