A Pana man has been arrested and charged with possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material following an investigation by Illinois State Police.

Authorities say 30-year-old Braxton Schaffenacker of Pana was taken into custody Thursday morning after officers executed a search warrant at his home on South Walnut Street. The arrest follows a nearly month-long investigation that began on January 14, when Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Zone 4 Major Crimes-Springfield Agents looked into allegations that Schaffenacker was in possession of and distributing child sexual abuse material.

Investigators working with the Office of the Illinois Attorney General Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force gathered digital evidence linking Schaffenacker to the alleged crimes, according to police.

Schaffenacker has been charged by the Christian County State’s Attorney’s Office with Dissemination of Child Pornography, a Class X felony, and Possession of Child Pornography, a Class 2 felony. He is currently being held at the Christian County Jail as he awaits a detention hearing.

The Pana Police Department expressed gratitude to the Illinois State Police and the Attorney General’s Office for their assistance in the investigation, highlighting the strong working relationship between the agencies.

This case remains under investigation.