Algonquin Man, 77, Charged With 15 Child Sexual Abuse Material Felonies

ALGONQUIN, IL — A 77-year-old Algonquin man faces 15 felony charges involving child sexual abuse material following a multiagency investigation that led to a search warrant being executed at a home in Algonquin, authorities said.

Norman A. Franke Jr. was arrested Tuesday and charged with 12 counts of dissemination of child sexual abuse material, all Class X felonies, and three counts of possession of child sexual abuse material, all Class 2 felonies, according to the Woodstock Police Department.

The investigation began after child sexual abuse material was transmitted to an investigator with the Woodstock Police Department who was working with the Illinois Attorney General's Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, police said. Investigators identified a suspect and obtained a search warrant for a residence in Algonquin, which was executed Tuesday.

The investigation involved detectives from the Woodstock and Algonquin police departments, with assistance from the Lake County State's Attorney's Office's electronic storage detection K9 unit, including K9 Grip, and the Illinois Attorney General's Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

Franke was being held at the McHenry County Adult Correctional Facility pending a court hearing, according to police.