SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – An Adams county, Ill., man, Skyler M. Durbin, 24, of Payson, appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Tom Schanzle-Haskins for arraignment on child pornography charges. An initial trial date was set for June 4, 2019, before U.S. District Judge Sue E. Myerscough. Durbin was ordered to remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

A four-count indictment alleges that on Dec. 26, 2018, and on Jan 31, 2019, Durbin received and distributed images of child pornography (two counts) and that he possessed images of child pornography (two counts.)

If convicted, for each count of receipt and distribution of child pornography, Durbin faces a statutory penalty of a minimum 15 years to 40 years in prison. For possession of child pornography, Durbin faces statutory penalties of 10 to 20 years in prison.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Victor Yanz. The charges are the result of an investigation by the Adams County Sheriff’s Office and the Illinois Attorney General’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, in cooperation with the Adams County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Members of the public are reminded that an indictment is merely an accusation; the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice.  Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.