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Police allegedly found evidence of the crime in Billie Tadlock’s possession.
SWANSEA, Ill. — Illinois police arrested a man they believe was handing out porn to minors near a park, the Swansea Police Department said on Thursday.
Officers with the department responded to the scene near Melvin Price Memorial Park on April 10 after getting reports of a man distributing pornographic material to minors, police said. Investigators immediately began canvassing the area, collecting witness statements and reviewing video surveillance footage, which allowed them to identify a suspect vehicle.
They eventually connected the vehicle to Swansea resident Billie Tadlock, 70, who is a registered sex offender, the department said in a press release. Tadlock previously exposed himself to a 12-year-old in St. Clair County ten years ago, according to the Illinois State Police Offender Registry.
A continued investigation into Tadlock allegedly uncovered more evidence consistent with the pornographic material that police received reports about, investigators said.
Police said Tadlock was taken into custody without incident and has since been charged with obstructing justice, unlawful presence of a child sex offender in a public park, and distribution of harmful material. Swansea investigators credited their officers’ advanced training in forensic technology, specifically digital evidence, for their eventual arrest of Tadlock.
“The Swansea Police Department takes incidents involving the safety and well-being of children extremely seriously,” the department’s press release said. “We encourage residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately. Anyone with additional information related to this case is asked to contact the Swansea Police Department at (618) 233-8114 and speak with Detective Sergeant Jason Frank.”
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