Granite City man charged with possessing child pornography

A Granite City man has been charged with possession of child pornography, the Illinois attorney general’s office announced Thursday.

John H. Obenhaus III, 38, was charged in Madison County Circuit Court with five counts of dissemination of child pornography. Each charge is a Class X felony, and punishable by six to 30 years in prison.

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s investigators, along with the Granite City Police Department, conducted a search of a residence in the 2700 block of Center Street in Granite City on Tuesday and arrested Obenhaus after discovering the child pornography.

“Individuals who download and trade child pornography victimize children and their families, and the impact is felt by the entire community,” Raoul said. “My office’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force will continue to work with local law enforcement through the to identify and protect communities from these offenders.”

Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine’s office will prosecute the case.

“Crimes against children are unacceptable and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law in Madison County,” Haine said.

Obenhaus’ bond is set at $250,000.