Chicago – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today charged an Elgin police officer with possession of child pornography. The case is part of Raoul’s ongoing work, in collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies and local law enforcement officials throughout Illinois, to apprehend offenders who download and trade child pornography online.
The Attorney General’s office charged Jordan Collins, 33, of Kirkland, Illinois, in DeKalb County Circuit Court with five counts of possession of child pornography, Class 2 felonies, each punishable by up to seven years in prison. Collins, a police office for five years with the Elgin Police Department, is currently detained at the DeKalb County Jail, and his next court date is Dec. 20.
“All child predators, particularly those in a position of authority, must be held accountable for the horrific crime of child pornography that can leave life-long scars on victims and their families,” Raoul said. “I am absolutely committed to working with local law enforcement agencies to protect communities from offenders who exploit children – even if those individuals are themselves supposed to be keeping their communities safe.”
Raoul’s investigators, with the assistance of the DeKalb Sheriff’s Department, conducted a search of Collins’ residence on Dec. 4 in the 400 block of First Street in Kirkland and discovered evidence of child pornography. With the cooperation of the Elgin Police Department, Collins was arrested while on duty the evening of Dec. 4.
“This officer was placed on administrative leave immediately following the arrest with additional action expected following review of the criminal charges,” said Elgin Police Chief Ana Lalley. “The criminal actions of a single police officer do not define the Elgin Police Department. This department will never deviate from upholding the highest standards of integrity, accountability and dedication to the community it serves.”
Raoul’s office will co-prosecute this case with the DeKalb County State’s Attorney office.
The public is reminded that the defendant is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Raoul’s office, with a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, runs the Illinois Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force that investigates child exploitation crimes and trains law enforcement agencies. The task force receives CyberTips, or online reports of child pornography, from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Over the last several years, CyberTipline reports have steadily increased. In 2022, reports to the ICAC increased by 26% over 2021.
Illinois’ ICAC Task Force is one of 61 ICAC task forces throughout the country and is comprised of a network of more than 175 local, county, state and federal law enforcement agencies. Since 2019, the Attorney General’s ICAC Task Force has received more than 38,500 CyberTips and has been involved in more than 620 arrests of sexual predators. Since 2006, the Attorney General’s ICAC Task Force has been involved in more than 2,010 arrests of sexual predators. The task force also has provided internet safety training and education to tens of thousands of parents, teachers, students and law enforcement professionals.
Attorney General Raoul is reminding the public that child sexual exploitation can be reported online at www.cybertipline.com and child abuse at dcfsonlinereporting.dcfs.illinois.gov. In addition, local child advocacy centers can be found at www.childrensadvocacycentersofillinois.org.
Deputy Bureau Chief Shannon O’Brien is prosecuting the case for Raoul’s High Tech Crimes Bureau.
