Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced that a Staunton man was charged with disseminating child pornography. The case is part of Raoul’s ongoing work to collaborate with federal law enforcement agencies and local law enforcement officials throughout Illinois to apprehend offenders who download and trade child pornography online.
Alex L. Ivey, 32, of Staunton was charged in Macoupin County Circuit Court with 10 counts of dissemination of child pornography, each a Class X felony punishable by six to 30 years in prison, and five counts of possession of child pornography, each a Class 2 felony punishable by three to seven years in prison. Ivey’s bond is set at $400,000, and his next court date is scheduled for July 12.
“Online child exploitation is not a victimless crime, and individuals who are engaged in the distribution of child pornography need to be held accountable,” Raoul said. “I appreciate the assistance of the Macoupin County Sheriff’s Office and the Staunton Police Department through the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and I am committed to working with law enforcement at all levels to track down individuals who possess and distribute these horrific images.”
Raoul’s investigators, with the assistance of the Macoupin County Sheriff’s Office and the Staunton Police Department, conducted a search of Ivey’s residence Thursday, June 23, on East Leonard Street in Staunton, and arrested Ivey after discovering evidence of child pornography.
The case will be jointly prosecuted by Raoul’s office and Macoupin County State’s Attorney Jordan Garrison.
“Online predators take advantage of our society’s most vulnerable and cause lifetimes of pain for survivors,” Macoupin County State’s Attorney Jordan Garrison said. “I am proud to team with the Illinois Attorney General Raoul’s office in prosecuting this case and appreciate the work and dedication of both the Macoupin County Sheriff’s Office and the Staunton Police Department.”
The public is reminded that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.