Attorney General Kwame Raoul has charged a Quincy, Illinois resident, Timothy Mason, with allegedly disseminating child sexual abuse material. This charge is part of Raoul's ongoing efforts to combat the online distribution and trading of such material in collaboration with federal and local law enforcement agencies throughout Illinois.
Mason, 43, faces five Class X felony counts of dissemination of child pornography in Adams County Circuit Court. Each count carries a potential sentence of up to 30 years in prison. The court will ultimately determine the sentences. Currently detained at the Adams County Jail, Mason's next court appearance is set for May 13.
"Children who have been exploited by predators who trade child sexual abuse material can face a lifetime of trauma," stated Raoul. "Helping survivors and their families receive justice can be essential to the healing process."
The arrest followed a search conducted by Raoul’s investigators at Mason's residence on May 7, where evidence was found. The Adams County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the arrest. It is important to note that Mason is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Raoul’s office will co-prosecute this case alongside the Adams County State’s Attorney’s office. Laura Keck from the Adams County Assistant State’s Attorney expressed appreciation for this collaborative effort: “The Adams County State’s Attorney’s Office appreciates the ability to continue to work with the Attorney General’s Office in the investigation and prosecution of child pornography cases.”
Raoul's office operates the Illinois Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force through a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice. This task force investigates child exploitation crimes and provides training for law enforcement agencies across Illinois. In recent years, reports through CyberTipline have increased significantly; there was an 11% rise from 2023 to 2024 alone.
Since its inception, Illinois’ ICAC Task Force has received over 54,700 CyberTips and contributed to more than 2,300 arrests related to sexual predators since 2006. In addition to making arrests, they rescued over 45 children from ongoing abuse in 2024 alone and provided internet safety education widely.
For reporting incidents related to child sexual exploitation or abuse online resources are available at cybertipline.com and dcfsonlinereporting.dcfs.illinois.gov respectively.
Assistant Attorney General Courtney Lindbeck is handling this case for Raoul's High Tech Crimes Bureau.