A judge ordered a Lake Villa man held on a $3 million bond after authorities say he was found with sexually explicit images and videos taken of his roommate’s child.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office responded Monday to a residence in the 37400 block of West Park Lane in unincorporated Lake Villa.
The caller reported that child pornography had been discovered on a cell phone belonging to Eric R. Studdard, 37, who resides at the residence.
An investigation revealed Studdard possessed numerous videos and images of child pornography, according to Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli.
Among the material found was child pornography of a child that lived at the residence, Covelli said.
Lake County Assistant State’s Attorney Francis DeRosa said in court that the victim’s mother made the discovery on Studdard’s old cell phone while cleaning the garage.
The mother was able to identify her daughter, whose face was visible in some of the photos and videos, DeRosa said.
The child told investigators she sent the photos and videos to someone else and she was unsure how Studdard obtained them.
Studdard admitted he was in possession of the child pornography and told investigators that someone had sent them to him, DeRosa said.
DeRosa said Studdard also reproduced a child pornography video that involved the female victim and another child.
Studdard was arrested and the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office approved four counts of child pornography against him.
“Thankfully the mother of the victim immediately contacted our office when she discovered the images of her daughter on the offender’s phone,” Sheriff John Idleburg said.
“We will always invest all of our resources to identify and arrest those who prey on children. That said, it remains incredibly important for parents and guardians to routinely review the content of your children’s electronic devices,” Idleburg said.
The most serious charge is a Class X felony that carries six to 30 years in prison if convicted.
Lake County Judge Theodore Potkonjak initially ordered Studdard held on a $2 million bond during an initial court hearing and then moments later increased it to $3 million.
Sheriff’s detectives continue to investigate the case and additional charges are possible.
Studdard remains held in the Lake County Jail and would need to post $300,000 cash in order to be released.