Christopher R. Buse, Child Pornography, Illinois 2018

EAST ST. LOUIS, IL – Christopher R. Buse, 42, formerly of O’Fallon, Illinois, is facing serious federal charges after being indicted on one count of receipt of child pornography. The indictment, handed down January 17, 2018, alleges Buse knowingly possessed illegal material, bringing the dark underbelly of online exploitation to light.

According to the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, the alleged offense took place on July 11, 2016. Buse, now residing in Staunton, Illinois, is accused of receiving a video file containing child pornography in direct violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252A(a)(2)(B). This isn’t just about a file; it’s about the exploitation of vulnerable children and the demand fueling a horrific trade.

If convicted, Buse faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison, with a potential maximum of 20 years behind bars. He could also be slapped with a hefty fine of up to $250,000 and subjected to up to three years of supervised release after serving his time. The courts are sending a clear message: those who prey on children will be held accountable.

The investigation, a joint effort led by the FBI’s Violent Crimes against Children Task Force and the U.S. Secret Service’s Springfield Electronic Crime Unit-Southern Illinois Cyber Group, also involved the O’Fallon, Illinois Police Department. Assistance was provided by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of Illinois and the Staunton, Illinois Police Department, demonstrating a coordinated push to combat this insidious crime. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James G. Piper, Jr.

This case falls under the umbrella of Project Safe Childhood, a national initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice. The program aims to dismantle networks involved in the sexual exploitation and abuse of children, bringing together federal, state, and local law enforcement. It’s a grim reminder of the scale of the problem, and the ongoing fight to protect the most vulnerable among us. More information on Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.usdoj.gov/psc.

Currently, Buse has been released on bond but remains under strict conditions, including home detention and electronic location monitoring, pending his trial scheduled for March 27, 2018, in East St. Louis. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the proceedings as they unfold, exposing the darkness and holding offenders accountable.

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