Attorney General Kwame Raoul has charged a man from Pawnee, Illinois, with serious offenses related to child sexual abuse material. The charges are part of Raoul's efforts, in partnership with federal and local law enforcement across Illinois, to combat the online trade and downloading of such materials.
Craig Smith, 30, was charged in Sangamon County Circuit Court with solicitation of child pornography and ten counts of possession of child pornography. These Class 1 felonies carry potential sentences of up to 15 years in prison. Additionally, Smith faces a charge for failing to register as a sex offender, classified as a Class 3 felony with a possible five-year sentence. Currently detained at Sangamon County Jail, Smith's court date is set for October 28.
“Survivors of child exploitation and their families deserve justice and should be assured that law enforcement agencies are working to ensure the individuals who trade or download those horrific materials are held accountable,” stated Raoul. “I will continue to collaborate with all levels of law enforcement to protect our children and communities from offenders who seek to exploit minors online.”
The investigation involved officers from the Pawnee Police Department and the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office searching Smith's residence on Washington Street in Pawnee on September 19. Evidence found led to an arrest warrant issued before Smith's arrest on October 21.
Raoul’s office is prosecuting this case alongside Sangamon County State’s Attorney John Milhiser’s office. Milhiser expressed gratitude for collaboration among law enforcement partners: “We appreciate the ability to work with our law enforcement partners, including the Attorney General’s Office ICAC Task Force, in the investigation and prosecution of these cases and look forward to assisting in holding accountable those who seek to harm our most vulnerable population.”
The public is reminded that Craig Smith is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Raoul's office operates the Illinois Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force under a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice. This task force investigates crimes involving child exploitation and provides training for law enforcement agencies across Illinois. The task force receives reports known as CyberTips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children; these reports increased by 46% in 2023 compared to 2022.
The ICAC Task Force consists of over 210 local, county, state, and federal agencies throughout Illinois. Since its inception in 2006, it has been instrumental in more than 2,200 arrests related to sexual predators. The task force also offers internet safety education programs reaching thousands across different sectors.
For reporting child sexual exploitation or abuse online visit cybertipline.com or dcfsonlinereporting.dcfs.illinois.gov respectively. Child advocacy centers can be located via childrensadvocacycentersofillinois.org.
Assistant Attorney General Nicole Bartell will handle prosecution through Raoul’s High Tech Crimes Bureau.