Attorney General Kwame Raoul has charged a Rushville, Illinois man with possession and dissemination of child sexual abuse material. Billy R. Ruple Jr., 44, employed as a security and therapy aide at the Department of Human Services (DHS) Rushville Treatment and Detention Facility, faces serious charges in Schuyler County Circuit Court. He is accused of two counts of dissemination of child pornography, classified as Class X felonies with potential sentences of up to 30 years each, and 10 counts of possession of child pornography, which are Class 2 felonies carrying possible seven-year terms.
The arrest is part of an ongoing effort by Raoul’s office to combat online child exploitation through collaboration with federal and local law enforcement agencies across Illinois. Ruple was detained at the Schuyler County Jail following a search on March 20 that uncovered evidence leading to his arrest. His next court appearance is scheduled for March 31.
Raoul stated, "My office’s ICAC Task Force works tirelessly to ensure all child predators are held accountable, wherever and whenever they are identified." He expressed gratitude for the cooperation with state and local law enforcement.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including the Illinois State Police (ISP), Schuyler County Sheriff’s Office, and Rushville Police Department. ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly emphasized the seriousness of the crime: “Disseminating child sexual abuse materials is a heinous crime.”
Rushville Police Chief Rick Wright acknowledged the collaborative efforts in apprehending Ruple: “I am incredibly proud of my team’s professionalism and dedication to serving the citizens of Rushville."
Ruple's employment at DHS’ Treatment and Detention Facility is notable due to its role in housing sexually violent offenders under specific legal criteria. The prosecution will be handled by Raoul’s office in conjunction with the Schuyler County State’s Attorney’s office.
The public is reminded that Ruple remains presumed innocent until proven guilty. The Attorney General's office continues to manage the Illinois Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice. This task force plays a crucial role in investigating child exploitation crimes statewide.
Since its inception, the ICAC Task Force has been instrumental in numerous arrests and rescues related to child sexual abuse cases while providing extensive training on internet safety.
Attorney General Raoul encourages reporting suspected cases through available online platforms such as cybertipline.com for exploitation or dcfsonlinereporting.dcfs.illinois.gov for abuse reports.
Assistant Attorney General Jenifer Peck will prosecute this case under Raoul’s High Tech Crimes Bureau.