Springfield Man Indicted on Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges

A 32-year-old Springfield man and registered sex offender has been indicted on eight felony counts involving child sexual abuse material following an investigation by the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office.

Ross Boner, of Goodwin Court in Springfield, was indicted by a Sangamon County grand jury on Wednesday, Nov. 4. The charges range from Class 2 to Class X felonies.

The investigation began in August 2026 after an adult victim reported a sexual assault and identified Boner as the suspect. Detectives with the Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division obtained a search warrant to seize and examine his cellular phone.

During the examination, investigators discovered images of child sexual abuse material, commonly referred to as CSAM. Detectives subsequently obtained a second search warrant, allowing them to continue examining the device. Numerous additional images were discovered and preserved as evidence.

“Cases involving the sexual exploitation of children demand a thorough and careful investigation,” Sheriff Paula Crouch said. “Our detectives worked diligently to follow the evidence, and we appreciate the assistance of the Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office in bringing these charges forward.”

Detectives arrested Boner at his home at approximately 1:45 p.m. Wednesday. He was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Sangamon County Jail.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, Boner is a registered sex offender stemming from a 2013 conviction for aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a child.

Investigators also seized a second cellular device during Wednesday’s arrest. That device will undergo forensic examination as part of the ongoing investigation.

Boner remains in custody pending his first court appearance.