A Toulon man was arrested and charged with multiple offenses after a police investigation into a complaint of a violation of order of protection.
Alex R. Nowlan, 33, is currently being held on the charges of harassment through electronic communications – Class 4 felony, intimidation/threat of physical harm – Class 3 felony, violation of an Order of Protection – Class A misdemeanor, unlawful possession of a controlled substance – Class 4 felony – three counts, possession of ammunition without a FOID – Class 3 felony, unlawful possession of nitrous oxide – Class A misdemeanor, violation of pre-trial release – Class A misdemeanor, child pornography – Class 3 felony – 36 counts, fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer – Class A misdemeanor and obstructing a peace officer – Class A misdemeanor.
According to a news release from the Toulon Police Department, on Aug. 13, the department received a report of a possible violation of an order of protection. A subsequent investigation revealed that the victim received a threatening phone call from an unrecognized number. The victim and a witness identified the caller’s voice as belonging to Nowlan.
“Due to the immediate and creditable threat to the victim’s life, the Toulon Police Department promptly obtained a search warrant for Nowland’s residence to locate electronic devices capable of generating calls from alternate numbers. During the execution of the warrant, investigators recovered evidence, weapons and narcotics,” the news release said.
Police say that a detention hearing was held and Nowlan was released under electronic GPS monitoring. But an additional search warrant was issued for Nowlan’s seized devices and with assistance from the Moline Police Department, digital evidence was extracted from the device.
“A review of the data uncovered suspected child pornography stored on one of the devices,” the news release said. “Further investigation confirmed the victims were juveniles.”
An arrest warrant was obtained for Nowlan and on Sept. 8, a hearing was held at the Marshall County Courthouse. Special Prosecutor, State’s Attorney Patrick Murphy, was able to successfully petition the court to revoke Nowlan’s pre-trail release and he was remanded into custody.
Anyone with information regarding the investigation or any other criminal offense is asked to contact the Toulon Police Department at 309-286-0066 or at Toulonpd@starkco.illinois.gov.
“The TPD extends its gratitude to the Stark County Sheriff’s Office and the Moline Police Department for their invaluable assistance throughout this investigation,” the release read.
