LaSalle, IL – A 49-year-old LaSalle man was arrested Saturday, November 15, following a months-long investigation into alleged possession and dissemination of child pornography, according to the LaSalle Police Department.
Authorities said Joseph W. Cartwright was taken into custody on a LaSalle County arrest warrant for three Class X felony counts related to the dissemination of child pornography involving victims under the age of 13. Police said the arrest followed a three-month investigation by the department’s Investigation Division.
According to police, the case involved the Illinois Attorney General’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, which provided investigative and technical support throughout the operation. The ICAC Task Force, one of 61 coordinated units nationwide, focuses on combating online child exploitation and developing effective responses to such crimes.
Cartwright was transported to the LaSalle County Jail, where he awaits a detention hearing. The investigation received additional assistance from the LaSalle County State’s Attorney’s Office.
The department credited its detective assigned to the ICAC Task Force and a Department of Justice grant program for providing critical training and resources used in the case.
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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