The Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 4 announced the arrest of six men in Sangamon and Christian counties on charges related to internet crimes against children, including the possession and dissemination of child sexual abuse materials.
On September 5, 2024, ISP agents arrested Robert W. Retzloff, 45, of Taylorville, IL, following an extensive investigation. The Christian County State’s Attorney’s Office approved eight counts of Dissemination of Child Pornography (a Class X Felony) against Retzloff, who is currently held at the Christian County Jail.
Five additional investigations were conducted in Sangamon County, leading to the issuance of arrest warrants on September 18, 2024, by the Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office. The following individuals were arrested between September 18 and 19, 2024:
Nicholas R. Hackwith, 20, of Springfield, IL – 12 counts of Possession of Child Pornography (Class 2 Felony)
Daniel J. McBride, 22, of Springfield, IL – 13 counts of Dissemination of Child Pornography (Class X Felony) and two counts of Dissemination of Child Pornography (Class 1 Felony)
Cam A. Metzger, 37, of Springfield, IL – 12 counts of Possession of Child Pornography (Class 2 Felony)
Stephen K. Peak, 20, of Springfield, IL – Three counts of Dissemination of Child Pornography (Class X Felony) and two counts of Possession of Child Pornography (Class 2 Felony)
Giacomo A. Pecoraro III, 23, of Springfield, IL – Two counts of Dissemination of Child Pornography (Class X Felony) and 10 counts of Possession of Child Pornography (Class 2 Felony)
The ISP was supported by the Illinois Attorney General’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), the United States Marshals Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force, and ISP Troop 6 in these investigations.
The Illinois State Police encourage the public to report crimes against children and provide resources to assist parents in keeping kids safe online. Anonymous tips can be submitted through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s (NCMEC) cyber tip line at www.cybertipline.com. More information on protecting children online is available at www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/onlinesafe or www.cybertipline.org. For resources for survivors of sexual abuse, visit www.missingkids.org/gethelpnow/csam-resources.
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