Andre Gerts, 24, was taken into custody by the Kewanee Police Department after a joint investigation into child pornography. Law enforcement agencies in Kewanee executed a warrant on October 21, 2025, resulting in the arrest of an individual identified as Andre Gerts. The operation involved the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kewanee Fire Department. Gerts was taken into custody without incident at the residence. Officers collected multiple pieces of evidence during their search. Preliminary charges against Gerts include Possession of and Dissemination of Child Pornography. The Henry County State’s Attorney’s Office will review the case to determine formal charges. It is important to note that Gerts is presumed innocent pending further legal proceedings.
Following a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the Peru Police Department launched an investigation into possible criminal activity earlier this year. Detectives soon confirmed that the alleged offenses occurred within Kewanee’s jurisdiction. The case was promptly handed over to the Kewanee Police Department’s Investigations Division. This division works closely with the Illinois Attorney General’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Authorities have not yet released specific details about the nature of the alleged crimes. The investigation remains ongoing as law enforcement prioritizes the protection of children.
According to the Kewanee Police press release, “We would like to extend our gratitude to the Peru Police Department and the Illinois Attorney General’s ICAC Task Force for their investigative efforts, as well as to the Henry County Sheriff’s Office and Kewanee Fire Department for their assistance during the execution of the search warrant.”