Mount Vernon man charged with grooming, child pornography offenses

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ill., (KBSI) — A Mount Vernon man has been arrested on child exploitation charges following an investigation by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

Detectives arrested Matthew K. Smith, 40, of Mount Vernon on June 18 on one count of grooming and two counts of possession of child pornography.

According to the sheriff’s office, the investigation began May 13 after a school resource officer at Woodlawn High School received information that prompted further investigation.

Detectives later took over the case, conducting multiple interviews, obtaining search warrants and collecting evidence.

Authorities said search warrants were executed May 27, and electronic devices were seized and subjected to forensic examination.

Smith was lodged in the Jefferson County Jail pending a pretrial detention hearing.

The investigation remains ongoing, and officials said additional felony charges are possible.

Smith is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.