Cortland man indicted by Illinois grand jury for having materials depicting child sex abuse

SYCAMORE – A Cortland man was indicted by a statewide grand jury this month after an investigation by the Illinois Attorney General’s Office alleged he had multiple materials on his computer that depicted child sex abuse, according to DeKalb County court records.

Robert S. Welch, 44, was charged July 22 with 10 counts of possession of materials, including videos and images, depicting child sex abuse, according to the indictment filed in Lee County July 12. Court records allege he had the materials on his computer between March 11 and May 2, according to the state indictment.

The statewide grand jury is located in Lee County, though Welch faces charges in DeKalb County.

He appeared before Circuit Court Judge Joseph Pedersen Tuesday for a pretrial release hearing. Welch told the judge he turned himself in Monday to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office.

Prosecutors with the DeKalb County State’s Attorney’s Office filed a petition to deny release to Welch, records show.

“I understand you weren’t aware that they’re seeking detention, but now that you are aware, do you want time to discuss with your attorney what is going to occur during this detention hearing or whether there’s evidence you want presented?” Pedersen asked Welch.

“I’m not really sure what to do,” Welch said in response. “I turned myself in once I learned there was a warrant for my arrest yesterday morning.”

Pedersen set the ruling over to Wednesday to give the DeKalb County Public Defender’s Office time to prepare their response to the petition.

If convicted of the Class 2 felonies, Welch could face seven years in prison.

This story was updated at 4:15 p.m. Aug. 2, 2024, to correct an earlier version which misstated the dates authorities alleged the crimes were committed.