Child exploitation case: Kankakee man faces 30 years

Wesley A. Williams, 41, now faces felony charges that could keep him behind bars for nearly three decades. The Illinois attorney general's office alleges he produced and possessed child sex abuse materials.

Investigators from the state attorney general's office, Manteno police, and the Kankakee County sheriff's office executed a search warrant at Williams' residence. They found evidence supporting the two felony counts. A conviction on the production charge carries a maximum sentence of 30 years. Possession carries a maximum of seven years.

The arrest followed a search of the home located on the 100 block of 3530E Road. Authorities say the probe is part of a nationwide operation that includes federal agencies. The search and subsequent arrest took place on Wednesday.

Kankakee County State’s Attorney Jim Rowe is prosecuting the case alongside the attorney general's office. Rowe stated that the case demonstrates the strength of law enforcement partnerships. He said the collaboration sends a clear message that child exploitation will be pursued relentlessly.

Williams is currently held at the Jerome Combs Detention Center in Kankakee. He awaits a pretrial detention hearing scheduled for Monday. The state also reminded the public that reports of child sexual exploitation can be filed at cybertipline.com.

Local child advocacy centers can be found at childrensadvocacycentersofillinois.gov. Reports of general child abuse go to dcfsonlinereporting.dcfs.illinois.gov.