A Kewanee man is charged with five counts of possession of child pornography for possessing photos where the victims are less than 13 and if convicted, could serve up to 35 years in prison, according to a press release from the Kewanee Police Department.
Thomas J. Motley, 29, was arrested following a joint investigation between the KPD, the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, the Illinois State Police and the Henry County Sheriff’s Department. The investigation follows information that was received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
Through that information, detectives were led to Motley, who allegedly possessed multiple images of child pornography. Search warrants were executed on Tuesday, Aug. 22 on both his residence and vehicle.
The Illinois Attorney General Digitial Forensics Division processed the evidence seized from Motley’s vehicle and residence and he was charged with the five counts of possession of child pornography. The offense is a Class 2 Felony and each count carries with it a potential of three to seven years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.
Motley, who is also charged with unlawful use of weapons, a Class A misdemeanor, is currently being held at the Henry County Jail on a $300,000 bond. A preliminary hearing is set for Aug. 28 at the Henry County Courthouse.
