The Orion man that pleaded guilty to two counts of Possession of Child Pornography in April was sentenced to 8 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC). Frank Laughner of Orion asked for a chance to continue Therapy because he is “just scratching the surface with therapy” and State’s Attorney Runty recommended a 10 year sentence (5 years per count) to the Illinois Department of Corrections. Laughner pleaded guilty to two counts of Possession of Child Pornography on April 20, 2023. Judge Colby Hathaway sentenced Laughner to four years per count in the IDOC (8 years total) followed by one year of Mandatory Supervised Release, he gets day-for-day credit, credit for time served, $1,000 fine per count plus assessments, $500 Child Pornography fee, register as a sex offender and appear within 45 days of release from IDOC to make payment arrangements.
Laughner said he is very sorry and “I have let you all down”. Laughner said he has learned so much in therapy and now enjoys going to therapy. He said he is especially sorry to the minors on the other side of the screen. He said he was introduced to sex and pornography around age 6 from the older kids that lived in his father’s neighborhood. “Being arrested got me the help I needed.” State’s Attorney Runty said Mr. Laughner has been very cooperative but this is not a single incident or a single lapse in judgement. Defense Attorney Ruud said “it’s not a shock he went down the path of child pornography” since he was introduced to sex at an early age. Attorney Ruud said Laughner has been in therapy since his arrest 19 months ago. “He’s been in the community for the last 19 months.” Attorney Ruud said that Laughner is taking the opportunity to address his issues. Laughner has no criminal history and his Doctor said he is unlikely to commit another crime. Attorney Ruud recommended Probation because Laughner is getting a life sentence because he will be a registered sex offender and “there is no getting off that list”.
Laughner was originally charged with two counts of Dissemination of Child Pornography (Class X Felony) and seven counts of Possession of Child Pornography (Class 2 Felony).
