Swansea sex offender charged with distributing pornography to minors in park

Police in Swansea arrested a 70-year-old registered sex offender after an investigation into reports that someone was distributing pornographic material to juveniles, authorities said.

Billie D. Tadlock, of Swansea, faces multiple felony charges including obstructing justice, unlawful presence of a child sex offender in a public park, and distribution of harmful material, according to a release from the Swansea Police Department.

Officers responded April 10 to the area of Kinsella Avenue and Caseyville Avenue, where witnesses reported the incidents. According to the police department release, officers canvassed the area, collected witness statements and reviewed surveillance video, which helped investigators identify a suspect vehicle and track its movements.

Detectives later identified Tadlock of Swansea as the suspect. He was arrested Tuesday without incident and was being held in the St. Clair County Jail, the release said.

Authorities said investigators recovered electronic devices and conducted a forensic examination that found evidence consistent with the material described in the reports.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Swansea Police Department at (618) 233-8114 and speak with Detective Sgt. Jason Frank.