Mason J. Cavanagh, 31, of Galva was sentenced in Henry County Circuit Court Monday to 15 years in state prison on three counts of possession of child sexual abuse material.

Cavanagh pleaded guilty to the charges and received five-year sentences on each. The sentences will run consecutively. 

He was also fined $1,000 each on two of the charges.

Upon release from custody, Cavanagh will be required to register as a sex offender. He will also be on mandatory supervised release and his DNA will be submitted to authorities.

Under the plea agreement, all remaining counts were dismissed.

Cavanagh’s arrest followed an investigation by the Galva Police Department.

The investigation began after police received information from Homeland Security Investigations regarding the possible possession of child sexual abuse material by Cavanagh. 

Investigators with the department conducted the primary investigation, coordinated investigative efforts, and worked alongside regional and federal law enforcement partners throughout the case.

Cavanagh was arrested on Jan. 28, 2026, in Kewanee. Following the arrest, investigators executed searches of Cavanagh’s residence and vehicle as part of the ongoing investigation.

During the investigation, the Galva Police Department received assistance from the Kewanee Police Department, Moline Police Department, Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Illinois Attorney General’s Office Forensic and Investigations divisions.

“The Galva Police Department thanks the Henry County State’s Attorney’s Office for its partnership and efforts in the successful prosecution of this case,” according to a news release issued Monday.