(CAPITOL CITY NOW) – A Palmyra man faces twelve charges related to child pornography and one count of possession of methamphetamine, according to a news release from the Illinois attorney general’s office.
Michael Upton, 34, would be sentenced to no more than 135 years in prison if convicted of all charges, if he is given the maximum sentence, and if the sentences are consecutive.
He was arrested after a search of his home in the 200 block of East Oak Street in Palmyra. The news release says Palmyra police and Macoupin County deputies worked with the attorney general’s office, finding “evidence of child sexual abuse material.”
Attorney General Kwame Raoul is quoted in the news release: “Child exploitation leaves life-long scars for survivors and their families, which is why it is essential to hold everyone who is responsible for this horrific trauma accountable, My office’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force works tirelessly with local law enforcement track down individuals who assault and exploit children.”
Upton is due again in Macoupin County Court Jan. 20.
Child sexual exploitation can be reported online at cybertipline.com, and child abuse at dcfsonlinereporting.dcfs.illinois.gov. Local child advocacy centers can be found at childrensadvocacycentersofillinois.org.
