CHICAGO – A shocking case of child exploitation has come to light in suburban Chicago, with a 32-year-old man accused of producing and possessing child pornography. Tercalo E. Thomas, of Park Forest, Illinois, is facing two counts of production of child pornography and one count of possession of an electronic device containing child pornography, according to an indictment returned in U.S. District Court in Chicago.
Thomas is currently being held in law enforcement custody after pleading not guilty to the charges during his arraignment today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Gabriel A. Fuentes. The indictment alleges that Thomas produced the child pornography after inducing and enticing a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct.
According to the indictment, Thomas also possessed a cell phone that contained images of a prepubescent minor who had not attained 12 years of age. This disturbing act has left authorities and the community reeling, highlighting the need for vigilance and protection of our most vulnerable citizens.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois, along with the FBI’s Chicago Field Office, have taken swift action in this case. John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Robert W. “Wes” Wheeler, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, have emphasized the gravity of these charges and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable.
The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, Thomas faces a minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison for each production count and a maximum of 30 years, while the possession count carries a maximum sentence of 10 years.
If you believe you are a victim of sexual exploitation, you are encouraged to contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children by logging on to www.missingkids.com or by calling 1-800-843-5678. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Related Federal Cases
- John Doe Charged with Producing Child Pornography, Chicago IL, 2024 · Illinois
- Chicago Man Scott Reskey, 61, Charged with Child Pornography Possession · Illinois
- Peter Joseph Hickel Jr., Attempted Production of Child Pornography,… · Illinois
- NY Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child Pornography, NY, 2023 · Illinois
- James Troy Martin, Receiving Child Pornography, IL, 2023 · Illinois
Key Facts
- State: Illinois
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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