Winfield man charged with child porn
A Winfield man accused of possessing child pornography was ordered held Friday on $100,000 bail.
Kevin R. Smith, 23, of the 27W100 block of Chartwell Drive, was arrested Thursday on four counts of aggravated child pornography after an investigation by neighboring Wheaton police, which has a child pornography unit.
Smith is accused of possessing videos of girls generally younger than 13. Prosecutors said he admitted to searching online for preteen pornography.
“He told officers he started off by accident and his interest in child pornography grew,” Assistant State’s Attorney Bethany Jackson said in bond court.
If convicted, Smith could be sentenced to probation or up to seven years in prison. Authorities might charge him with an additional offense that carries a mandatory prison term, Jackson said.
In seeking a lower bond, defense attorney Philip Nathe said Smith is a student at College of DuPage who has had mental health problems and collects disability.
DuPage County Judge Elizabeth Sexton barred Smith from using a computer should he post the necessary $10,000 to be released from jail.
His next court date is June 25 before Judge Kathryn Creswell.