Beverly Art Studio Owner Nabbed in Internet Child Porn Sting: Cop

James Sonntag | Photo from Facebook

Chicago, IL, June 17, 2016 -- A prominent Beverly art studio owner was arrested when police found videos containing child pornography on his home computer, prosecutors said Friday in court.

James Sonntag, 41, appeared before Cook County Judge Peter Felice on two felony counts of possession of child pornography.

Sonntag, owner of Kunsthaus Studio in Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood, was targeted in an investigation by the Cook County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the prosecutor said.

Between Feb. 16, 2016 and June 6, 2016, Sonntag is said to have downloaded photos and videos containing child pornography from a peer-to-peer file sharing website.

Evergreen Park Police executed a search warrant on June 15 at Sonntag’s home in the 2300 block of West 110th Place, Chicago.

According to the charges, a preliminary police review revealed exploitative images of children less than 13 years old engaged in various sex acts, including bondage. After being taken into custody, Sonntag allegedly made admissions that he was the only one with access and the password to the computer on which the child pornography was found.

Investigators are still in the process of searching his computer. His computer at work was also confiscated. The prosecutor said some of the videos included children younger than 13, and others of children between 13 and 17 engaged in various sex acts, including bondage.

Sonntag’s attorney told the judge that he is the married father of two, and works for Bank of America in the information technology department. He has no prior criminal background.

According to a DNAInfo profile, Sonntag and his wife own a community art studio.

The prosecutor asked for special conditions of bond, including no contact with children under 18, and no internet access on a computer or cell phone. Sonntag is also to stay 1,000 feet away from a park or school.
When Sonntag’s attorney told the judge that his client’s work required access to the internet, Judge Felice allowed him to use the internet for commercial work.

The attorney pointed out that Sonntag lives across the street from a park, Judge Felice said he could remain in his home, but he must not enter the park.

Bail was set at $750,000, with 10-percent to apply. As of Friday evening, Sonntag bonded out, according to Ald. Matt O'Shea (19th). Sonntag is due back in court July 8 in Bridgeview.

If convicted, Sonntag faces 3 to 7 years in prison on each count, or probation.

This story has been updated.

Burbank Beat contributed to this report.