Chicago – Attorney General Kwame Raoul has charged Bobby H. Xiong, a resident of Bluffs, Illinois, with allegedly producing and disseminating child sexual abuse material. This case is part of Raoul's ongoing efforts in conjunction with federal and local law enforcement to apprehend individuals involved in child sexual abuse material offenses.
The Attorney General's office has charged Xiong, 27, in Greene County Circuit Court with three counts of dissemination of child pornography, which are Class X felonies that could result in up to 30 years of imprisonment. Additionally, Xiong faces two counts of possession of child pornography, classified as Class 2 felonies, punishable by up to seven years in prison. The final sentences will be determined by the court. Currently detained at the Greene County Jail, Xiong's next court appearance is set for April 28.
"Holding child predators who exploit children accountable can help survivors and their families heal from the trauma they unnecessarily experienced," stated Raoul. "I appreciate the partnership and assistance by the Scott County Sheriff’s Department, which is helping us protect children in Scott County."
On March 27, Raoul's investigators, alongside officers from the Illinois State Police and the Scott County Sheriff’s Department, executed a search at Xiong's residence on Piper Street in Bluffs. The arrest followed the discovery of evidence pointing to child sexual abuse material.
Attorney General Raoul’s office is prosecuting this case with collaboration from Scott County State’s Attorney Richard Crews’ office.
The public is reminded that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Raoul's office, supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, operates the Illinois Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. This task force investigates child exploitation crimes and trains law enforcement agencies. It receives CyberTips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, with a notable rise in reports over the years making 2024 an 11% increase from 2023.
The Illinois ICAC Task Force is among 61 such task forces nationwide, comprising over 200 law enforcement agencies. Since 2019, Raoul’s ICAC Task Force has received more than 54,700 CyberTips, contributing to over 900 arrests of sexual predators. Established in 2006, it has facilitated more than 2,300 arrests and in 2024, aided in rescuing over 45 children from ongoing abuse. The task force also provides internet safety programs to parents, teachers, students, and law enforcement personnel.
Attorney General Raoul urges the public to report child sexual exploitation online at cybertipline.com and child abuse at dcfsonlinereporting.dcfs.illinois.gov. Local child advocacy centers can be accessed at childrensadvocacycentersofillinois.org.
Assistant Attorney General Courtney Lindbeck is handling the prosecution for Raoul’s High Tech Crimes Bureau.