Jefferson County, IL – Deputies from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office arrested a 22-year-old Mt. Vernon man on December 20, 2025, in connection with an investigation into alleged sexual assault and possession of child pornography.
According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the arrest followed a complaint filed on December 5, alleging that the suspect had threatened an adult female. Detectives say their investigation revealed evidence of sexual contact with multiple underage females in both Jefferson and Hamilton Counties.
Officials obtained a search warrant for electronic devices, and investigators say evidence was collected during a forensic examination. The suspect, identified by authorities as Michael W. McClanahan of Mt. Vernon, was charged with Criminal Sexual Assault and Possession of Child Pornography.
McClanahan was booked into the Jefferson County Jail and is being held pending a pretrial detention hearing. Deputies emphasize that the investigation remains active and encourage anyone with information to contact the Sheriff’s Detective Division at (618) 244-8004.
Authorities noted that McClanahan is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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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