Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced a 15-year prison sentence for Elijah I. Ames, a resident of Swansea, Illinois. Ames, 19, was sentenced by St. Clair County Circuit Court Judge Robert Haida after pleading guilty to two Class X felony counts related to the dissemination of child sexual abuse material. This case forms part of Raoul’s ongoing collaboration with federal and local law enforcement agencies in Illinois to address online child pornography offenses.
Raoul emphasized the significance of the sentence: “This sentence represents justice for minor victims who have been exploited and abused,” he said. His office's Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force is dedicated to identifying individuals involved in downloading or trading these illegal materials. The Attorney General assured continued partnerships with local law enforcement to ensure accountability.
Ames was apprehended in September 2023 following a search conducted by investigators from Raoul’s office and officers from the Swansea Police Department at his residence, which led to the discovery of child sexual abuse material.
The Illinois Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, supported by a U.S. Department of Justice grant, plays a crucial role in investigating child exploitation crimes and training law enforcement personnel. It receives CyberTips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, with reports increasing significantly over recent years; there was a 25% rise in 2024 compared to 2023.
Illinois’ ICAC Task Force is one among 61 nationwide, consisting of more than 185 law enforcement agencies across various levels. Since its inception in 2006, it has contributed to over 2,300 arrests and has rescued more than 45 children from abuse in 2024 alone. The task force also conducts internet safety training for numerous stakeholders including parents and educators.
Attorney General Raoul urged public vigilance against child sexual exploitation, advising that such incidents can be reported online at cybertipline.com or dcfsonlinereporting.dcfs.illinois.gov. Resources are available through local child advocacy centers listed at childrensadvocacycentersofillinois.org.
Assistant Attorney General Jenifer Peck handled the prosecution within Raoul’s High Tech Crimes Bureau.