Articles Posted in Child Pornography

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Protecting Your Rights in Possession of Child Pornography Cases in DuPage County, Illinois

DuPage County, Illinois, is home to a range of communities, from bustling suburbs to peaceful residential areas. As one of the largest counties in the state, DuPage is a hub for residential, commercial, and educational activities. However, like many other parts of the country, it is not immune to serious criminal offenses, including charges related to the possession of child pornography.

Being accused of possessing child pornography is one of the most serious criminal charges a person can face. The penalties for this offense are severe, and the societal stigma can affect every aspect of your life. If you have been accused or arrested for possession of child pornography in DuPage County, Illinois, it is crucial to seek legal counsel from an experienced defense attorney who can help protect your rights and work toward achieving the best possible outcome for your case.

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Lake County, Illinois, is a vibrant area characterized by its beautiful landscapes, strong communities, and easy access to Chicago. While the region offers many advantages, it is also home to individuals facing life-changing legal battles, including allegations of possession of child pornography. These charges are among the most severe under Illinois law, carrying significant penalties and lifelong consequences. If charged under 720 ILCS 5/11-20.1, it is crucial to seek the help of our Lake County possession of child pornography defense lawyer immediately.

The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg is committed to defending individuals accused of possession of child pornography in Lake County. With years of experience, we provide aggressive and compassionate legal defense to protect our clients’ rights.

Illinois Laws on Possession of Child Pornography

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In Illinois, accusations related to the manufacturing of child pornography are taken extremely seriously, governed by stringent laws aimed at curbing this grave offense. The statutes relevant to these charges are found primarily under 720 ILCS 5/11-20.1, which defines the manufacturing, dissemination, or possession of child pornography. Under this statute, ‘manufacturing’ refers to the production or creation of visual depictions involving a child engaged in sexual conduct. Given the sensitive nature of the subject and the severe repercussions of a conviction, comprehending the legal definitions and potential consequences is critical for anyone involved in such a case.

The law clearly outlines what constitutes child pornography and sets strict penalties for those found guilty of manufacturing it. The definition extends beyond the mere production of such materials to include soliciting a minor to participate or persuading, coercing, or forcing a minor into being photographed or filmed in a sexually explicit manner. The legal framework is designed to protect minors from exploitation, reflecting society’s commitment to safeguarding children from abuse and exploitation.

Potential Penalties and Consequences

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Facing accusations of possession of child pornography is a gravely serious matter that carries substantial legal consequences under Illinois law. Individuals charged with such offenses confront not only the possibility of severe penal sanctions but also enduring personal and professional damage. Understanding the legal framework, potential defenses, and the importance of skilled legal representation is crucial for anyone involved in such a case.

Legal Framework and Definitions Under Illinois Law

Illinois Statutes on Child Pornography:

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A Chicago man who pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography charges was sentenced to 15 years behind bars. Investigators from the Sheriff’s Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) arrested a 41-year-old man on charges of possessing child pornography in October of 2022. He had already been arrested and was on probation for possession of child pornography from a previous offense that occurred in 2017. The defendant was also convicted of aggravated sexual abuse of a minor in 2001 and was a registered sex offender.

Before his arrest, ICAC tipped off authorities concerning downloads the defendant had made of explicit materials involving children under the age of 13. The defendant pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography of a child under the age of 13. With a felony already on his record, the crime was charged as a class-1 felony. 

What Constitutes Child Pornography Under Illinois State Law?

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Dozens of people are facing charges after federal authorities conducted a sweep of the messaging app Telegram. Such messaging apps are becoming popular for sharing criminal material, according to authorities, especially child pornography. The initiative was called “Operation Swipe Left.” 

As a result, more than two dozen people are facing charges for accessing the encrypted chatrooms where such material is shared. In this case, authorities found access to live-streamed sex abuse materials. In one case, authorities raided a home to find the man playing a video depicting an infant being abused. Four children were rescued as abuse was occurring. 

Determining Penalties for These Charges

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A former Dixmoor police officer is being held on $1 million bail after being found in possession of dozens of images of child pornography. The officer faces three felony charges related to the possession of child pornography. Police found 35 images on his phone. In some cases, the girls pictured on the phone were described as “prepubescent.” 

In some states, you can be charged for each image found in your possession. In Illinois, they will charge you for each depiction of a minor. In this case, three victims were found on the defendant’s phone. Hence, he is facing three felony charges related to the possession of child pornography. The same girl was found in several of the pictures. Police will track down the victim to determine if more criminal charges are justified. If the defendant created the pornography, then that is another crime the state can add to the ledger. 

Police were tipped off when child pornography was found in the account of the defendant’s email. The tip was sent to the Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which forwarded the tip to law enforcement, which confronted the officer and seized three phones from his possession, all of which contained the files in the tip. 

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Notable actor Jerry Harris, who skyrocketed to fame after his appearance in Netflix’s “Cheer” docuseries, is facing charges related to child pornography. The Cook County native is alleged to have solicited sexual pictures and videos from boys as young as 13 years old at cheerleading competitions. 

Harris has been on talk shows, the Oscars, and has more than 1 million followers on Instagram.

Harris Arrested by the FBI

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A former Chicago Public Schools football coach has been accused of sexual misconduct with one of his players. This individual is also accused of taking nude photos of the student and then posting those photos in the victim’s apartment building and in areas that would be on the way to his school. 

Curtis Thomas worked at the Bronzeville Scholastic Institute High School when the alleged assault occurred. His official title was “school community representative.” Thomas was fired in 2014 and placed on a “do not hire” list. 

CPS officials are not speaking publicly about the incident. They refused to indicate whether Thomas was a football coach on the team when the student was assaulted. Prosecutors, however, said that Thomas was among the football coaches on the team at the time of the assault. The boy was 15 in 2010 when the assault occurred. 

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marco-chilese-2sMbKyQvom4-unsplash-copy-200x300R. Kelly has been denied a request to seek release from jail during the coronavirus outbreak. The disgraced singer’s attorneys filed a request for bond with the U.S. District Court in Chicago. Attorneys for Kelly claimed that because of his advanced age (53) he was at high risk of contracting and suffering severe symptoms of the coronavirus. Kelly’s attorneys also stated that hand sanitizer and soap are difficult to find at the present moment and that inmates are kept in small cells and are not practicing social distancing.

Nonetheless, the court rejected Kelly’s request and the embattled pop star is not elderly enough to be considered in the high-risk group. Kelly had also undergone a recent surgery for a hernia, but the court ruled that it did not place him in a substantially higher risk group than others. Lastly, federal authorities reported that the prison has enough soap and hand sanitizer for everyone. The final nail in the coffin was that there were no reports of the virus among inmates.

Prosecutors Cite Kelly as a Flight Risk

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