Algonquin Man, 78, Detained On 15 Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges

ALGONQUIN, IL — A 78-year-old Algonquin man has been ordered held in jail pending trial after authorities said a months-long investigation uncovered evidence that he repeatedly downloaded and distributed child sexual abuse material online.

Norman A. Franke Jr. faces 12 counts of dissemination of child sexual abuse material, all Class X felonies, and three counts of possession of child sexual abuse material, Class 2 felonies, according to the McHenry County State's Attorney's Office. McHenry County Judge Cynthia Lamb granted prosecutors' request to deny Franke pretrial release following his initial court appearance Thursday.

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The investigation began in mid-August when a Woodstock Police Department detective using digital forensic software identified suspicious online activity involving files believed to contain child sexual abuse material, prosecutors said.

Detectives continued monitoring the activity through late October, documenting what authorities described as repeated downloading and uploading of illegal material.

Investigators eventually traced an internet protocol address associated with the activity to a home in Algonquin and obtained a search warrant, according to prosecutors.

Woodstock police executed the warrant early Tuesday and found Franke inside the residence. Investigators also discovered a computer that was actively uploading files, authorities said.

An examination of the computer revealed more than 70 files identified as containing child sexual abuse material, according to the state's attorney's office.

"Technology may give these offenders a false sense of anonymity, but it also leaves a trail," McHenry County State's Attorney Randi L. Freese said in a statement. "We will follow that trail and hold those who exploit children accountable."

Franke remains detained at the McHenry County Jail. His next court appearance was scheduled for Friday in Courtroom 304.