Buffalo Grove man faces child pornography charges

Police charged a Buffalo Grove man with possession of child pornography after officers recovered numerous images from his home computer, said a spokeswoman for Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez in a prepared statement.

Cook County Judge Jill Cerone Marisie set bail at $50,000 Thursday for Michael Welstead, 50, who was charged with two counts of aggravated child pornography and one count of child pornography. If convicted of the most serious felony, Welstead could be sentenced to up to seven years in prison. Probation is also available.

An investigation into individuals searching for and downloading child pornography led to Welstead, whose laptop revealed numerous files depicting children engaging in sex acts, prosecutors said.

Buffalo Grove police worked with members of the Cook County and the Illinois Internet Crimes Against Children Task Forces, Alvarez’s spokeswoman said.

Welstead must post $5,000 to be released from custody. He next appears in court on May 23.