Additional charges in Des Plaines child porn case

A 32-year-old Des Plaines man charged with transmitting child pornography last month was indicted this week on new federal charges accusing him of manufacturing the material.

The indictments charge Bobby Cruz with producing, possessing and transporting child pornography at various times between 2007 and 2011. He is also accused of crossing state lines to “engage in a sexual act with a minor under 12” in 2010, a charge that carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years in prison, according to prosecutors. If convicted on that charge, he could also receive a life sentence.

Prosecutors said they uncovered evidence involving at least three underage victims.

When Cruz was arrested Nov. 1 at his home in the 400 block of West Touhy Avenue following a two-month investigation, authorities confiscated several cameras, a laptop computer and a number of external hard drives. Nearly 100 images depicting child pornography were emailed to an undercover investigator from Cruz’s computer, court records show.

Cruz is being held without bail. Anyone with additional information about the investigation is urged to call federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement Special Agent Jennifer Sapper at (630) 574-4941.