Chicago – Attorney General Kwame Raoul charged an Effingham, Illinois man with possessing and disseminating child sexual abuse material. The case is part of Raoul’s ongoing work, in collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies and local law enforcement officials throughout Illinois, to apprehend offenders who download and trade child sexual abuse material online.
The Attorney General’s office charged Larry D. Gibson, 66, in Effingham County Circuit Court with seven counts of disseminating child pornography, each Class X felonies punishable by up to 30 years in prison, and five counts of possession of child pornography, each Class 2 felonies punishable by up to seven years in prison. Sentences are ultimately determined by the court. Gibson is currently detained at the Effingham County Jail, and his next court date is scheduled for Jan. 2, 2025.
"Individuals who prey on children must be held accountable,” Raoul said. “I will continue to partner with law enforcement agencies to investigate and hold alleged perpetrators accountable, and I thank the Effingham Police Department for their assistance with this case.”
Raoul’s investigators, along with officers from Effingham Police Department, conducted a search of Gibson’s residence in the 10 block of Lakewood Manor Trail in Effingham on Dec. 4. Gibson was taken into custody after investigators discovered evidence of child sexual abuse material.
“The Effingham Police Department is committed to public safety, and we will continue to work hand in hand with our State and Federal partners,” said Effingham Police Chief Jason McFarland. “The Attorney General’s Office and their team have demonstrated unparalleled proficiency in handling investigations of this nature. Their expertise ensures that the investigation adheres to the highest standards of professional excellence. Together, we are amplifying our impact to combat this heinous crime and safeguard our community.”
Raoul’s office is co-prosecuting this case with Effingham County State’s Attorney Aaron Jones.
The public is reminded that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Raoul’s office, with a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, runs the Illinois Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force that investigates child exploitation crimes and trains law enforcement agencies. The task force receives CyberTips, or online reports of child pornography, from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Over the last several years, CyberTipline reports have steadily increased. In 2023, reports to the ICAC increased by 46% over 2022.
Illinois’ ICAC Task Force is one of 61 ICAC task forces throughout the country and is comprised of a network of more than 185 local, county, state and federal law enforcement agencies. Since 2019, the Attorney General’s ICAC Task Force has received more than 46,150 CyberTips and has been involved in more than 755 arrests of sexual predators. Since 2006, the Attorney General’s ICAC Task Force has been involved in more than 2,145 arrests of sexual predators. The task force also has provided internet safety training and education to tens of thousands of parents, teachers, students and law enforcement professionals.
Attorney General Raoul is reminding the public that child sexual exploitation can be reported online at cybertipline.com and child abuse at dcfsonlinereporting.dcfs.illinois.gov. In addition, local child advocacy centers can be found at childrensadvocacycentersofillinois.org.
Assistant Attorney General Katherine Hegarty is prosecuting the case for Raoul’s High Tech Crimes Bureau.
