Texas man sentenced in Franklin County child pornography case

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

BENTON, Ill. (KBSI) — A Texas man has been sentenced to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple child pornography charges and traveling to meet a minor in Franklin County.
Franklin County State’s Attorney Abby Dinn announced Thursday, May 28, that 44-year-old Jerry Deleon of San Antonio pleaded guilty to seven counts of possession of child pornography and one count of traveling to meet a minor.

According to prosecutors, Deleon traveled from Chicago to a motel in West Frankfort in September 2025 after communicating online with someone he believed to be a 15-year-old girl. Authorities said the conversations included graphic sexual discussions and plans to meet in person.

Investigators said a witness to the online conversations contacted the West Frankfort Police Department before Deleon arrived in the area.

Officials said Deleon was initially arrested on charges including possession of methamphetamine, traveling to meet a minor, indecent solicitation of a child and grooming. After authorities searched his phone, investigators said they discovered additional evidence leading to multiple child pornography charges.

Court records show Deleon entered his guilty plea Thursday, May 28. Prosecutors said he received the maximum sentence of 28 years for the child pornography convictions and an additional two years for traveling to meet a minor.

The sentences will be served consecutively in the Illinois Department of Corrections, followed by two years of mandatory supervised release.

The case was investigated by the West Frankfort Police Department and prosecuted by the Franklin County State’s Attorney’s Office.