Pekin, Illinois – A Marquette Heights man was arrested Thursday following a child exploitation investigation in Tazewell County.
According to the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office, Wesley D. Ratliff, 35, of Marquette Heights, was taken into custody February 26 and transported to the Tazewell County Jail for processing.
Authorities allege Ratliff faces multiple felony offenses related to the possession and dissemination of child sexual abuse material, as well as additional charges involving the solicitation and exploitation of a minor. Officials did not release further details regarding the scope or duration of the investigation.
The case was investigated by the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office, which participates in the Illinois Attorney General’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. The task force focuses on identifying and investigating individuals accused of online offenses involving minors.
Sheriff’s officials stated the office remains committed to protecting children and pursuing those who exploit minors.
Court records were not immediately available Thursday. All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
The arrest highlights continued regional enforcement efforts targeting internet-based crimes involving minors, an issue that often intersects with online safety awareness for students and families.
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