2 southern IL men face child porn charges in separate cases

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ill. (KBSI) – Two men face possession of child pornography charges in separate cases.

Ryan L. Taylor, 49, of Mt. Vernon, Ill. faces a charge of possession of child pornography. He was arrested on April 20 after an investigation was started in January 2024.

Jefferson County Sheriff’s deputies received multiple cyber tips through the office’s membership with the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.

The investigation led to search warrants for cyber accounts, electronic devices, and then the home of Taylor.

Sheriff’s deputies say evidence of criminal activity was recovered during the execution of these warrants.

Anthony H. Powell, 28, of Opdyke, Ill. was arrested on April 22 after an investigation that started on April 2. He faces a charge of production of child pornography.

The sheriff’s office received cyber tips through the ICAC Task Force. That led to search warrants for cyber accounts, electronic devices and Powell’s home.

Detectives say they recovered evidence of criminal activity during the execution of these warrants.

Both Taylor and Powell were taken to the Jefferson County Jail.

The investigations continue.