McLeansboro police seek suspect in child exploitation, home invasion cases
FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
MCLEANSBORO, Ill., (KBSI) — The McLeansboro Police Department is asking for the public’s help locating a man wanted in connection with a child exploitation investigation and a violent home invasion.
Police are searching for Michael J. Mezo, 63, of McLeansboro. Authorities said officers with the McLeansboro Police Department and the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant Dec. 11 at Mezo’s residence in the 500 block of North Washington Street as part of a child pornography investigation. No arrest was made at that time due to the stage of the investigation.
Police said further investigation by the department’s investigations team later led to multiple charges related to possession of child sexual abuse material.
On the morning of Dec. 15, at about 6:40 a.m., Hamilton County dispatch received a 911 call reporting a home invasion on Broadway Street in McLeansboro. The caller reported a man entered the residence through the basement and assaulted two senior citizens inside the home. Police said one victim was struck in the head with a brick and required medical treatment. The victim later identified the intruder as Mezo.
Multiple attempts to locate Mezo have been unsuccessful, police said.
Mezo is described as 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighing about 150 pounds, with gray or white hair and hazel eyes. He is often seen wearing eyeglasses.
Authorities said there is an active nationwide warrant for Mezo’s arrest. He faces multiple charges, including possession of child sexual abuse material, home invasion, aggravated battery of a senior citizen and residential burglary.
Police warned the public not to approach Mezo, noting he should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone who sees him is urged to contact law enforcement immediately.
Investigators said Mezo is known to panhandle in the Mount Vernon and Marion areas and may have fled the region. He also has ties to the St. Louis area and Kentucky.
Authorities emphasized that Mezo is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
