Illinois State Police have arrested a Springfield man following an investigation into child sexual abuse materials.

ISP Division of Criminal Investigation agents say the case began back on October 8th of last year, when investigators with the Attorney General’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force gathered digital evidence identifying 68-year-old Merle Monroe as a suspect.

The Sangamon County State’s Attorney filed charges on November 19th, including five Class 2 felony counts and three Class 3 felony counts of possession of child pornography. Monroe was taken into custody on November 24th and is currently being held in the Sangamon County Jail.

Illinois State Police remind families that resources are available to help keep children safe online. Anonymous tips about child exploitation can be submitted through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s CyberTipline. Resources for online safety and support for survivors of abuse can be found through the Illinois Attorney General’s Office and NCMEC.