Man accused of damaging license plate reader cameras now faces child sex abuse material possession charges

A Geneva man arrested in July for damaging 13 automated license plate reader cameras now is facing charges of possession of child sexual abuse material after authorities found photos and videos on his phone during the investigation.

Ruben R. Rodriguez, 25, of the 300 block of East Side Drive, has been charged with 13 felony counts of possession of child sexual abuse material, both photo and video, as well as 17 other felonies for criminal damage to property and criminal damage to government-supported property.

In a joint news release from the Kane County state’s attorney’s office and the Kane County Sheriff’s Department, authorities say Rodriguez damaged or defaced 13 ALPR cameras between June 6 and 27 in St. Charles, North Aurora, St. Charles Township and Blackberry Township. The cameras belonged to multiple law enforcement agencies.

Authorities said ALPR technology was used to identify Rodriguez as the suspect. He was arrested at his home by sheriff’s deputies on July 2 and his phone was seized following an investigation.

During the examination of his phone, authorities say officers observed suspected child sexual abuse material, and that investigation was transferred to the Kane County Child Exploitation Unit.

Additional charges were filed on Sept. 24 alleging Rodriguez possessed multiple videos and images involving victims under the age of 13.

A judge denied the state’s request that Rodriguez remain in jail pending trial. Rodriguez was released on pretrial supervision while his cases are pending and is prohibited from having unsupervised contact with minors or accessing the internet.

His next court appearance is Nov. 19.

rwest@dailyherald.com