KEWANEE — On Wednesday, members of the Kewanee Police Department Investigations Division arrested Jared Vermost, 35, of Kewanee, following an investigation into the possession and dissemination of child sexual abuse material.
The arresting officers are assigned to the Illinois Attorney General’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.
The investigation originated earlier this year when state police received a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC). After determining the alleged offenses occurred in Kewanee, the case was referred to the Kewanee Police Department for further investigation.
On Wednesday, investigators located Vermost driving in Kewanee and conducted a traffic stop. He was taken into custody without incident for driving on a revoked license.
Vermost was taken to the police station, and a search warrant was subsequently executed at his residence. Investigators recovered multiple electronic devices and other evidence. A quantity of cocaine was also located.
On Thursday, following review of the evidence, the Henry County State’s Attorney’s Office authorized four charges against Vermost:
● Two counts of dissemination of child sexual abuse material (victims under 13) —Class X felonies (6-30 years imprisonment; $2,000-$100,000 fine per count)
● Three counts of possession of child sexual abuse material (victims under 13) —Class 2 felonies (3-7 years imprisonment; $1,000-$100,000 fine per count)
● Two counts of dissemination of child sexual abuse material (victims under 18) – Class 3 felonies (2-5 years imprisonment; $1,000-$100,000 fine per count)
● One count of possession of a controlled substance (cocaine) – Class 4 felony (1-3 years imprisonment; up to $25,000 fine)
Vermost appeared before a Henry County judge on Thursday for a detention hearing and was ordered held in the Henry County Jail pending further court proceedings. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Monday.
Vermost is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
“The Kewanee Police Department extends its gratitude to the Illinois State Police and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children for their partnership and assistance throughout this investigation,” Chief Stephen Kijanowski said.
Anyone with additional information regarding this case is asked to contact the Kewanee Police Department Investigations Division at 309-853-1911.
