Matthew Derr: Matthew Derr waived his Preliminary Hearing and Formal Arraignment. A Jury Pre-Trial is scheduled for July 11, 2024, at 9 AM. Matthew Derr is charged with Possession of Child Pornography (Class 2 Felony). A Kewanee man was arrested and charged with possession of child pornography following an investigation by the Kewanee Police Department based on a cyber tip by the Attorney General’s Office and the Illinois Crimes Against Children Task Force. According to court documents, Derr was in possession of a film, videotape, or other movie depicting a child under the age of 18, engaged in the act of sexual penetration with another person.
Paul Higgins: Paul Higgins waived his Preliminary Hearing and Formal Arraignment. A Jury Pre-Trial is scheduled for July 11, 2024, at 3 PM. Paul Higgins is charged with ten counts of Possession of Child Pornography/Victim <13 (Class 2 Felony), Possession of a Short Barrel Shotgun/Rifle (Class 3 Felony), and Possession of a Firearm Without FOID (Class A Misdemeanor). Authorities arrested 72-year-old Paul Douglas Higgins following a raid on his home at 132 North Vail Street. This action, led by the Illinois Attorney General’s Office and local police as part of the Illinois Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, uncovered numerous images and videos of suspected child pornography. During the search, law enforcement also seized multiple firearms, including one illegally designed by state and federal laws.
