A 25-year-old Boy Scout leader from Millstadt is behind bars after prosecutors say investigators found child sexual abuse material in his home. Kaleb Rakers was charged Wednesday with 15 counts of possessing child sexual abuse material and is being held at the St. Clair County Jail while he waits for a detention hearing. Authorities say the case landed in St. Clair County Circuit Court after a search of his residence, with the Illinois Attorney General’s office and local law enforcement announcing the arrests.
According to a news release from the Illinois Attorney General’s office, Rakers faces 15 separate counts of possessing child sexual abuse material, each classified as a Class 2 felony. The release states he was taken into custody following the search and that Assistant Attorney General Jenifer Peck is assigned to prosecute the case. "Child exploitation is particularly reprehensible when committed by someone children should be able to trust," Attorney General Kwame Raoul said in the statement.
As reported by First Alert 4, Rakers is affiliated with Boy Scout Troop 8622 in Millstadt and is being held at the St. Clair County Jail. The station reports that his detention hearing is scheduled for Friday.
Search and investigation
Per the Attorney General’s release, investigators working with the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office and Millstadt Emergency Medical Service searched a residence in the 5000 block of Algonquin Forrest in Millstadt and recovered evidence cited in the criminal charges. The investigation involves the Illinois Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force and the Attorney General’s High Tech Crimes Bureau. Officials emphasized that Rakers is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Charges and penalties
Possession of child sexual abuse material as charged is a Class 2 felony under Illinois law. That offense carries a determinate prison term of not less than three years and not more than seven years, with extended terms of seven to 14 years possible in certain circumstances, according to the Illinois Compiled Statutes. Courts may also impose probation, fines or supervised release, depending on how the case is resolved. The formal proceedings are set to move forward in St. Clair County Circuit Court.
Rakers remains in custody ahead of his detention hearing on Jan. 30. Prosecutors from the Attorney General’s High Tech Crimes Bureau are handling the case while investigators continue to follow leads. This article will be updated as new court records or official statements are made available.
