Attorney General Kwame Raoul has charged a man from Loraine, Illinois, with disseminating child sexual abuse material. This case is part of Raoul's efforts in collaboration with federal and local law enforcement to address the online distribution of such material.
David L. Nelson, aged 41, faces seven counts of disseminating child pornography in Adams County Circuit Court. Each count is classified as a Class X felony, which could result in up to 30 years in prison if convicted. Nelson is currently held at the Adams County Jail, with his next court appearance scheduled for November 13.
"Individuals who disseminate child sexual abuse images retraumatize victims each and every time an image or video is shared or downloaded," said Attorney General Raoul. "My office will continue to collaborate with law enforcement agencies throughout the state to protect children and hold individuals accountable for their reprehensible actions."
The investigation involved Raoul’s team and officers from the Adams County Sheriff’s Department conducting a search at Nelson's residence on October 30. Evidence of child sexual abuse material was found, leading to Nelson's arrest.
Adams County Sheriff Tony Grootens stated, "The Adams County Sheriff’s Office will continue to work with our partners in law enforcement and is always willing to help collaborate on investigations to protect children and families."
It is important to note that the defendant remains presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Raoul’s office will prosecute the case alongside Adams County State’s Attorney Gary L. Farha’s office. Farha expressed appreciation for ongoing collaboration with the Attorney General's Office on such cases.
Raoul oversees the Illinois Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force funded by a U.S. Department of Justice grant. The task force investigates child exploitation crimes and provides training for law enforcement agencies. In recent years, reports have increased significantly; CyberTipline reports rose by 46% in 2023 compared to 2022.
Illinois’ ICAC Task Force consists of over 185 local, county, state, and federal agencies nationwide. Since its inception in 2006, it has contributed to more than 2,145 arrests related to sexual predation.
Attorney General Raoul encourages reporting child sexual exploitation through cybertipline.com or dcfsonlinereporting.dcfs.illinois.gov for child abuse cases. Local advocacy centers can be located via childrensadvocacycentersofillinois.org.
Assistant Attorneys General Jenifer Peck and Courtney Lindbeck are handling prosecution duties for Raoul’s High Tech Crimes Bureau.