Pontiac, IL – A Livingston County man has been sentenced to 95 years in prison following a multi-agency investigation into child pornography offenses, according to officials. The case, which drew assistance from several Central Illinois police departments, concluded this week with one of the harshest sentences issued in the region in recent years.
According to the Livingston County State’s Attorney’s Office, the investigation began after digital evidence linked the man to the possession and distribution of child pornography. Police departments from Fairbury, El Paso, Rantoul, and additional agencies under the CHAOS Task Force coordinated surveillance, evidence collection, and interviews throughout the case.
Prosecutors said the man was convicted on multiple felony counts involving the possession and dissemination of child sexual abuse material. Court officials reported that the charges covered a significant number of illegal files, which contributed to the lengthy sentencing. The court also cited aggravating factors, including the scope of the material involved and the duration of the conduct.
The sentencing, issued in Livingston County Circuit Court, ensures the man will remain in custody for the remainder of his life, with the judge stating the punishment was intended to reflect the severity of the crimes and safeguard the public.
Law enforcement agencies praised the collaborative effort, noting that digital exploitation cases often require extensive coordination across jurisdictions. The CHAOS Task Force called the outcome “a major success” in ongoing efforts to identify, investigate, and prosecute child-exploitation offenses throughout Central Illinois.
Community members in Livingston County expressed relief following the sentencing, with local authorities encouraging residents to continue reporting suspicious online activity to help prevent further exploitation.
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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