A Taylorville man has been arrested on child sexual abuse materials charges following an investigation by the Illinois State Police.

Authorities say 50-year-old Brian M. Grove was taken into custody Thursday after agents with the State Police Division of Criminal Investigation and the Christian County State’s Attorney’s Office executed a search warrant at his residence.

According to investigators, the case began March 23rd when agents learned an individual was allegedly possessing and distributing child sexual abuse materials. Officials say digital evidence was later obtained through the Illinois Attorney General’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, indicating Grove both possessed and disseminated the material from his home in Christian County.

Grove was formally identified as a suspect on April 2nd, and arrested April 9th.

He is now charged with dissemination of child pornography, a Class X felony, and possession of child pornography, a Class 1 felony. Grove is currently being held at the Christian County Jail pending a detention hearing.

The Illinois State Police also remind the public that suspected crimes involving children can be reported anonymously through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s CyberTipline.

According to our investigation, Grove's Wife is a Taylorville Police Officer and is a School Resource Officer at the Junior High.  He is a former Capitol police officer through the Secretary of State.   He spent 16 years in law enforcement.  According to Christian County State's Attorney John McWard, Grove's wife is not of any interest at this time.  All Taylorville school students are safe.  No information has linked her to any involvement at this time.