Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 4 arrested six individuals in September in Sangamon and Christian counties for internet crimes against children, including possession and dissemination of child sexual abuse materials.

On September 5, 2024, after an extensive investigation, ISP agents arrested Robert W. Retzloff, a 45-year-old male of Taylorville, IL.  The Christian County State’s Attorney’s Office approved eight counts of Dissemination of Child Pornography (Class X Felony) against Retzloff and he is being held at the Christian County Jail.

ISP agents conducted five additional child exploitation investigations in Sangamon County. On September 18, 2024, the Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office issued arrest warrants on these cases.  The following individuals were taken into custody on September 18-19, 2024 for the charges listed below:

Nicholas R. Hackwith (20) of Springfield, IL – 12 counts of Possession of Child Pornography (Class 2 Felony)

Daniel J. McBride (22) of Springfield, IL – 13 counts of Dissemination of Child Pornography (Class X Felony) and two counts of Dissemination of Child Pornography (Class 1 Felony)

Cam A. Metzger (37) of Springfield, IL – 12 counts of Possession of Child Pornography (Class 2 Felony)

Stephen K. Peak (20) of Springfield, IL – Three counts of Dissemination of Child Pornography (Class X Felony) and two counts of Possession of Child Pornography (Class 2 Felony)

Giacomo A. Pecoraro III (23) of Springfield, IL – two counts of Dissemination of Child Pornography (Class X Felony) and 10 counts of Possession of Child Pornography (Class 2 Felony)

ISP agents were assisted by the Illinois Attorney General’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), the United States Marshals Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force, and ISP Troop 6.

The Illinois State Police provides resources for parents, for the public to report crimes against children, and victims to start their path towards healing and recovery.  Anonymous tips of child sexual abuse and exploitation materials can also be reported through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's (NCMEC) cyber tip line at www.cybertipline.com.  To keep kids safe online, learn more at: https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/onlinesafe/; www.cybertipline.org; For resources for survivors of sexual abuse visit: https://www.missingkids.org/gethelpnow/csam-resources.