Benton man sentenced to 18 years for child pornography and grooming charges

BENTON, Ill., (KBSI) — Kevin Goetz, 34, of Benton, has been sentenced to 18 years and seven months in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Goetz pleaded guilty on March 26, 2025, to four counts of child pornography and one count of grooming. He was sentenced by Judge Evan Ownes.

The investigation began in April 2024, when Goetz engaged in an explicit online conversation with someone he believed to be 11 years old. He was arrested in August 2024 and charged with grooming.

A forensic analysis of Goetz’s phone and electronics revealed multiple videos and photos of child sexual abuse material, leading to additional charges.

The case was investigated by the Benton Police Department and prosecuted by State’s Attorney Abby Dinn.