Attorney General Kwame Raoul has secured a guilty plea from Sean Willis, a Mt. Carmel resident, for disseminating child sexual abuse material. The case, prosecuted by Raoul's office in collaboration with local and federal law enforcement agencies, is part of ongoing efforts to combat the online distribution of such material.
Willis, aged 29, pleaded guilty to two counts of Class X dissemination of child pornography. Hardin County Resident Judge Tara Wallace sentenced him to 28 years in prison. "This sentence will help protect other children from the trauma of sexual exploitation and abuse," 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 prosecution was carried out by Raoul’s office alongside the Wabash County State’s Attorney’s office. The Illinois Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, run by Raoul's office with support from a U.S. Department of Justice grant, played a significant role in this case. The task force investigates child exploitation crimes and trains law enforcement agencies.
CyberTips received by the ICAC Task Force have been increasing over recent years, with reports rising by 46% in 2023 compared to 2022. Since its inception in 2006, the task force has been involved in more than 2,200 arrests and has provided internet safety training to numerous individuals across various sectors.
Raoul emphasized that incidents of child sexual exploitation can be reported at cybertipline.com or dcfsonlinereporting.dcfs.illinois.gov. Local advocacy centers are also accessible through childrensadvocacycentersofillinois.org.
Deputy Bureau Chief Shannon O’Brien led the prosecution for Raoul’s High Tech Crimes Bureau.