Chicago man charged with sexual abuse and child pornography

A 30-year-old Chicago man has been charged with sexual abuse and multiple counts of child pornography following the execution of a search warrant at his residence as part of an investigation by the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, according to the Office of State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez.

Jesus Munoz, of the 1600 block of North Kedvale Avenue, was arrested by Chicago Police yesterday (July 16) and appeared in bond court today at the Leighton Criminal Courts building where bond was set at $275,000 by Judge Laura Sullivan.  Munoz next court date is August 6.

According to prosecutors, an investigation of individuals searching for and downloading suspected child pornography led officers to Munoz.   Officers executed a search warrant at his residence, where they recovered a laptop from the living room.  A forensic analysis of the laptop revealed files containing moving depictions by computer of children engaged in sex acts.  The images included children under the age of 13 years engaged in acts of sexual conduct and sexual penetration.

According to prosecutors, during the execution of the search warrant, two minor children living at the residence disclosed to the officers that Munoz had touched them inappropriately in the past.  The children told officers that Munoz had inappropriately touched them both underneath and over their clothing numerous times. 

Munoz is charged with Possession of Child Pornography and two counts of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse, all Class 2 felonies, each punishable by up to 7 years in prison.

State’s Attorney Alvarez thanked the members of the Cook County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Chicago Police Department for their work on this case.

The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office administers the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, which investigates and prosecutes criminal acts such as child pornography, sexual solicitation of a child or missing child investigations.  The task force also offers guidance and information for parents and educators on internet safety.  To report a child-related internet crime call (312) 492-3655.

The public is reminded that criminal charging documents contain allegations that are not evidence of guilt.  The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the state has the burden of proving guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.