Chicago’s grim streets were once again the scene of a harrowing case today as Stephen A. Turner, 36, was sentenced to 27 years in federal prison for producing child pornography. The United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce, announced the sentence, which also mandates 15 years of supervised release and sex offender registration upon his release.
In a chilling turn of events, Turner preyed on an unsuspecting 11-year-old girl through the chat feature of the ‘Contest of Champions’ game app. He cunningly cultivated a relationship, leading to explicit photographs sent by the minor. The girl’s mother’s vigilance in discovering the texts and photographs led to Turner’s swift apprehension.
This grim tale unfolds as part of Project Safe Childhood, the Department of Justice’s relentless battle against child sexual exploitation and abuse. Under this initiative, federal, state, and local agencies collaborate to nab predators and rescue victims. For information on Project Safe Childhood, visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
The investigation was a collaborative effort by the Collier County Sheriff’s Office in Florida, the Wood River Police Department, and the United States Secret Service. Assistant United States Attorney Laura V. Reppert prosecuted the case with vigor.
Turner was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment. As this sentence is imposed, it serves as a stark reminder of the dark underbelly of the digital world where predators lurk, and the crucial role that vigilant parents and law enforcement play in protecting our youth.
RELATED: Illinois Bookkeeper Siphons $486K From Farmer
RELATED: Turner Gets 25 Months in $987K Bank Fraud
Related Federal Cases
- Illinois Man Sentenced To 40 Years For Child Pornography · Illinois
- 23andMe Faces Legal Fire for Genetic Data Sale · Washington
- Live Nation Faces Trial Over Monopoly Practices · Washington
- 23andMe Faces Lawsuit for Selling Genetic Data · Washington
- Columbia Man Faces Decades for Child Porn · Illinois
Key Facts
- State: Illinois
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Sex Crimes|Cybercrime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News