MOUNT VERNON, Ill. -- A 57-year-old man faces a total of eleven child pornography and criminal sexual assault charges after a three-month investigation.
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) said they arrested 57-year-old Robert D. Paul, of Ashley, Ill., after an arrest warrant for child pornography.
Paul went to the sheriff's office to talk to them about why deputies were at his house earlier. He was then arrested at the sheriff's office.
This investigation was first initiated on July 4, 2023, when JCSO members of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about suspected child pornography.
Search warrants for electronic records and for Paul's property were obtained. A search of the suspect's home resulted in multiple pieces of evidence collected.
According to online court records, on October 27, the complaint was filed with a video court date set for October 30.
Paul faces nine child pornography charges, along with two charges of criminal sexual assault, court records state.
