Attorney General Kwame Raoul has filed charges against Larry D. Gibson, a resident of Effingham, Illinois, for possession and dissemination of child sexual abuse material. This action is part of Raoul's ongoing collaboration with federal and local law enforcement to tackle online child exploitation.
Gibson faces seven counts of disseminating child pornography, classified as Class X felonies with potential penalties of up to 30 years in prison each. Additionally, he is charged with five counts of possession of child pornography, Class 2 felonies that carry sentences of up to seven years each. The court will ultimately decide the sentencing. Currently detained at the Effingham County Jail, Gibson's next court appearance is set for January 2, 2025.
"Individuals who prey on children must be held accountable,” Raoul stated. “I will continue to partner with law enforcement agencies to investigate and hold alleged perpetrators accountable, and I thank the Effingham Police Department for their assistance with this case.”
A search conducted by Raoul’s investigators and officers from the Effingham Police Department at Gibson's residence on Lakewood Manor Trail resulted in his arrest following the discovery of incriminating evidence.
Effingham Police Chief Jason McFarland expressed commitment to public safety: “The Effingham Police Department is committed to public safety, and we will continue to work hand in hand with our State and Federal partners,” he said. “The Attorney General’s Office and their team have demonstrated unparalleled proficiency in handling investigations of this nature."
The prosecution is a joint effort between Raoul’s office and Effingham County State’s Attorney Aaron Jones. It is emphasized that the defendant remains presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Raoul’s office manages the Illinois Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force funded by a U.S. Department of Justice grant. This task force investigates child exploitation crimes across Illinois, receiving reports from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. In recent years, CyberTipline reports have increased significantly; 2023 saw a 46% rise compared to 2022.
Since its inception in 2006, Illinois' ICAC Task Force has been involved in over 2,145 arrests related to sexual predators. The task force includes more than 185 participating agencies nationwide and offers internet safety education.
Attorney General Raoul encourages reporting child sexual exploitation via cybertipline.com or through local advocacy centers listed at childrensadvocacycentersofillinois.org.
Assistant Attorney General Katherine Hegarty leads the prosecution from Raoul’s High Tech Crimes Bureau.