A Galva man faces serious charges after a joint law enforcement operation in Galva on January 28th. Authorities executed a search warrant in the 200 block of Southwest 6th Street, following leads on suspected criminal activity. Mason J. Cavanagh, age 31, was arrested at the scene and charged with nine counts of possession of child sexual abuse material, each a Class 2 felony. This investigation saw collaboration among local, county, and state law enforcement agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations and the Illinois Attorney General’s Office. The State Attorney’s motion to deny pretrial release was granted. Mr. Cavanagh will remain detained in the Henry County Jail. A Preliminary Hearing is scheduled for February 2, 2026, at 2 PM.
Officer Scott Keithley said in the release, “As the investigation progressed, the Galva Police Department requested assistance from the Kewanee Police Department, Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Henry County State’s Attorney’s Office, Moline Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, the Illinois Attorney General’s Office Division of Forensics, and the Illinois Attorney General’s Office Investigations Division.”
Officials say the investigation is ongoing, and further charges may be filed as evidence is reviewed by the Henry County State’s Attorney’s Office. Cavanagh remains innocent unless proven guilty in court.
A class 2 felony is punishable with 3 to 7 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections and a minimum $1,000 fine.