Chicago – Attorney General Kwame Raoul has charged a Brighton, Illinois man with dissemination and possession of child pornography. This case is part of Raoul’s ongoing collaboration with federal and local law enforcement agencies across Illinois to apprehend individuals who download and trade child pornography online.
David Crane, 34, was charged in Macoupin County Circuit Court with one count of dissemination of child pornography involving a victim under 13 years old, a Class X felony punishable by up to 30 years in prison. Additionally, he faces 10 counts of possession of child pornography, Class 2 felonies, each carrying a potential sentence of up to seven years in prison. Sentences must be served consecutively and are ultimately determined by the court. Crane is currently detained at the Macoupin County Jail and is scheduled to appear in court on July 9.
“Children who survive exploitation can face a lifetime of trauma, which is why we must help them receive justice by holding the offenders who commit these horrific crimes accountable,” Raoul stated. “I will continue to work with state and local authorities to ensure these individuals are unable to victimize other innocent children.”
Investigators from Raoul’s office, along with officers from the Brighton Police Department, Macoupin County Sheriff’s Office, and the Illinois State Police (ISP) South Central Illinois Drug Task Force conducted a search of Crane’s residence on June 13. Evidence of child pornography was discovered during this search leading to Crane's arrest.
“Illinois State Police special agents continuously investigate cases where there is evidence of child sexual abuse, and we will do everything in our power to arrest predators and protect our children and youth,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly.
Raoul’s office is co-prosecuting this case with the Macoupin County State’s Attorney’s office.
The public is reminded that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
With funding from the U.S. Department of Justice, Raoul’s office operates the Illinois Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force which investigates child exploitation crimes and trains law enforcement agencies. The task force receives CyberTips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. In 2023, reports to ICAC increased by 46% over those in 2022.
Illinois’ ICAC Task Force is one of 61 such task forces nationwide and includes more than 185 local, county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Since its inception in 2006, it has been involved in over 2,145 arrests of sexual predators. The task force also provides internet safety training for parents, teachers, students, and law enforcement professionals.
Attorney General Raoul reminds the public that child sexual exploitation can be reported online at cybertipline.com while instances of child abuse can be reported at dcfsonlinereporting.dcfs.illinois.gov. Local child advocacy centers can be found at childrensadvocacycentersofillinois.org.
Assistant Attorney General Jenifer Peck is prosecuting the case for Raoul’s High Tech Crimes Bureau.
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