CHRISTOPHER – A Christopher man has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of child pornography.

According to Illinois State Police, its Division of Criminal Investigation says 29-year-old John Mercks is charged with eight counts of 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 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 (ICAC) Task Force received multiple cybertips from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC). After a thorough investigation, evidence was revealed that Mercks had distributed child pornography through an electronic platform.

On Friday, the Franklin County State’s Attorney filed the above charges against Mercks. Mercks was arrested and taken to the Franklin County Jail where he remains in custody, with bond set at $1,000,000, 10% to apply. This investigation is open and on-going and no further information is available.

Anyone with information concerning this case is asked to contact ISP Zone 7 agents at (618) 542-1128.