Christopher man facing multiple child porn charges

(KBSI) – A Christopher man faces several charges of child pornography after agents received multiple cybertips.

John Mercks, 29, of Christopher faces eight counts distribution of child pornography (Class X felony), one count of possession of child pornography, pose/exhibit/victim under 13 years old (Class X felony), two counts of possession of child pornography, possess photo/victim under 13 years old (Class 2 felony), one count of possession of child pornography, reproduce/sell (Class 1 felony).

ISP DCI agents assigned to the Office of the Illinois Attorney Generals Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received multiple cybertips from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.

Evidence revealed that Mercks had distributed child pornography through an electronic platform, according to Illinois State Police.

The Franklin County State’s Attorney filed charges against Mercks on May 12. He was arrested and taken to the Franklin County Jail where he remains in custody with bond set at $1 million, 10% to apply.

The investigation is open and ongoing.

Anyone with information concerning this case is asked to contact ISP Zone 7 agents at (618) 542-1128. The Illinois State Police provide the following resource for parents, for the public to report crimes against children, and victims to start their path towards healing and recovery.

Anonymous tips of child pornography can also be reported through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s (NCMEC) cyber tip line at cybertipline.com.