28 F
Naperville
Thursday, March 28, 2024

Bond set at $150,000 for man accused of possession of child pornography

-

The following is a joint release with the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Naperville Chief of Police Robert Marshall announced today that bond has been set for a former Naperville North High School assistant boys basketball coach accused of possessing child pornography. Jelani McClain, 23 (d.o.b. 11/21/1997) of the 4700 block of Lake Trails Drive, Lisle, appeared in Bond Court this morning where Judge Ann Celine O’Hallaren Walsh set bond at $150,000 with 10% to apply. McClain has been charged with seven counts of Possession of Child Pornography, a Class 2 Felony.

Jelani McClain

Through the course of their continuing efforts into child pornography, investigators from the Naperville Police Department received a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding an IP address possibly engaging in child pornography. Based upon this information, detectives obtained a search warrant for McClain’s home which was executed on May 12, 2021. It is alleged that a search of McClain’s electronic storage yielded several images and videos of child pornography. McClain, who was at home during the search, was immediately taken into custody without incident.

“As I have said many times in the past, child pornography is not a victimless crime,” Berlin said. “Each one of these disgusting images represents yet another victim of child pornography. The charges filed against Mr. McClain today sends the message that my office will aggressively pursue child pornographers. I would like to note that these charges are in no way connected with Mr. McClain’s association with Naperville North High School. Authorities at the school have been very cooperative throughout this entire case and for that I thank them. I would like to thank the Naperville Police Department for their efforts on this case. They continue to do a tremendous job of identifying and locating suspected child pornographers, as is alleged in this case. I would also like to thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Alyssa Rabulinski and Claudia Fantauzzo for their work in securing strong charges against Mr. McClain.”

“This department will continue to aggressively investigate any reports or instances of crimes against children because to keep kids safe, offenders must be brought to justice,” said Naperville Police Chief Robert Marshall. “In this instance, it was the possession of child pornography, which is a very serious crime. I applaud the efforts of the investigators that were able to put together this case and bring the charges against the defendant. Additionally, I would like to thank the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office for their assistance in this investigation.”

“The safety and security of students, staff, and our community is of the utmost importance,” said Dan Bridges, Superintendent, Naperville Community Unit School District 203. “We are grateful for our partnership with the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office and the Naperville Police Department. We are cooperating fully with the investigation.”

The investigation into McClain’s online activity continues. Anyone having information about or contact with McClain is asked to call Detective Theresa Stock of the Naperville Police Department at (630) 305-5968.

McClain’s next court appearance is scheduled for June 10, 2021, for arraignment in front of Judge O’Hallaren Walsh.

Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Stay Connected!

Get the latest local headlines delivered to your inbox each morning.
SUBSCRIBE
- Advertisement -
City of Naperville
City of Napervillehttp://www.naperville.il.us.
About Naperville: Located 28 miles west of Chicago, Naperville, Ill., is home to approximately 145,000 people. This vibrant, thriving City consistently ranks as a top community in the nation in which to live, raise children and retire. The City is home to acclaimed public and parochial schools, the best public library system in the country, an array of healthcare options and an exceptionally low crime rate. Naperville has ready access to a variety of public transportation, housing and employment options. The City’s diversified employer base features high technology firms, retailers and factories, as well as small and home-based businesses. Residents also enjoy world-class parks, diverse worship options, the opportunity to serve on several City boards and commissions, a thriving downtown shopping and dining area, a renowned outdoor history museum known as Naper Settlement and an active civic community. For more information, please visit our website at www.naperville.il.us.

LATEST NEWS

DON’T MISS OUT!
GET THE DAILY
SQUARE-SCOOP
The latest local headlines delivered
to your inbox each morning.
SUBSCRIBE
Give it a try, you can unsubscribe anytime.
close-link

Stay Connected!

Get the latest local headlines delivered to your inbox each morning.
SUBSCRIBE
close-link