Justin D. Weaver, Child Exploitation, Illinois 2011

ROCHESTER, IL - A former Rochester firefighter has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for his role in child exploitation charges. Justin D. Weaver, 27, pleaded guilty to producing child pornography, possessing child pornography, and destroying evidence.

According to authorities, at his plea hearing in January 2011, Weaver admitted to molesting a child under the age of 12 and producing child pornography of that molestation. He is also required to register as a sex offender in accordance with state and federal law.

U.S. Attorney James A. Lewis stated that the sentence reflects the severity of the crime and the need to protect children from such abuse. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.

Weaver was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard Mills in the Central District of Illinois. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elly Peirson and Trial Attorney Mi Yung Park of the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Springfield Police Department, the Adams County Sheriff's Department, and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section's High Technology Investigative Unit.

Weaver's sentencing brings an end to a lengthy investigation and prosecution that highlights the importance of working together to prevent child exploitation and abuse. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.

Mandatory Facts: Defendant/Respondent: Justin D. Weaver, Crime: production of child pornography, possession of child pornography, destruction of evidence, City and State: Rochester, IL, Exact Date: January 27, 2011, Sentence: 30 years in prison, Lifetime Supervised Release.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/pr/former-illinois-firefighter-sentenced-30-years-prison-child-exploitation-charges