Riverton Man Charged with Child Pornography, Animal Sex Crimes

A Riverton man has been arrested and charged with multiple felonies related to child pornography and sexual crimes involving animals, according to the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office and court records from the Seventh Judicial Circuit.

Benjamin Tarr, 39, was taken into custody on July 2 and booked into the Sangamon County Jail. He faces one Class 1 felony count of possession of child pornography involving a minor under the age of 18, along with two additional felony counts connected to sexual conduct or contact with an animal.

Court filings state the alleged offenses occurred on several dates between December 2024 and June 2025. Prosecutors allege the child pornography offenses involved victims under the age of 13 in some cases and under 18 in others. Additional charges relate to incidents involving an animal in June 2025.

Tarr remains in custody. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 25 at 9 a.m. The investigation is ongoing, and no further information has been released at this time.