Wheaton, IL – A DuPage County judge has ordered a Wheaton man held pre-trial after he was charged with possessing child pornography and failing to register as a sex offender. Authorities say the decision follows an investigation sparked by a cyber tip received through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
According to DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin, 23-year-old John Jacobson of the 1900 block of Lancaster Lane appeared in court last Friday facing six counts of child pornography — including one Class X felony — and one count of failure to register as a sex offender.
Investigators with the Wheaton Police Department allegedly traced an email account linked to child exploitation material back to Jacobson. Detectives executed a search warrant and reportedly found multiple illegal images. Prosecutors also allege Jacobson, who is a registered sex offender, failed to disclose his online accounts during registration.
“Child pornography is not a victimless crime,” Berlin said, emphasizing his office’s commitment to prosecuting such cases. Wheaton Police Chief P.J. Youker praised detectives for connecting the cyber tip to a known offender, noting the complexity and importance of these investigations.
Jacobson remains in custody following the judge’s ruling. His next court date is scheduled for Nov. 17, 2025, before Judge Ann Celine O’Hallaren Walsh.
Authorities remind the public that the charges are accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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