Jared Vermost, 35, of Kewanee, is in custody following an investigation by local police and the Illinois Attorney General’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force for possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material. The case began with a tip from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), leading to a joint investigation by the Illinois State Police and Kewanee Police Department. Vermost was taken into custody during a traffic stop for driving on a revoked driver’s license and faces multiple felony charges, including dissemination and possession of child pornography. Following the arrest, officers executed a search warrant at his residence, uncovering several electronic devices and additional evidence linked to the case. Investigators also discovered a quantity of cocaine during the search. The Kewanee Police Department urges anyone with information regarding the investigation to contact the Investigations Division at 309-853-1911. He was ordered to remain detained in Henry County Jail during a detention hearing on November 20th. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for November 24th at 1 PM at the Henry County Courthouse.
Jared Vermost is charged with:
● Two (2) counts of Unlawful Dissemination of Child Pornography (victims under age 13) – Class X Felony (6-30 years imprisonment; $2,000-$100,000 fine per count)
● Three (2) counts of Unlawful Possession of Child Pornography (victims under age 13) – Class 2 Felony (3-7 years imprisonment; $1,000-$100,000 fine per count)
● Two (3) counts of Unlawful Possession of Child Pornography (victims under age 18) – Class 3 Felony (2-5 years imprisonment; $1,000-$100,000 fine per count)
● One (1) count of Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance (cocaine) – Class 4 Felony (1-3 years imprisonment; up to $25,000 fine)
“The Kewanee Police Department extends its gratitude to the Illinois State Police and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children for their partnership and assistance throughout this investigation.”
All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
