A federal judge in Peoria has sentenced a man from Danvers to 6 1/2 years in prison for sending lewd photos of parts of himself to a minor. Alexander Smith, 23, also must register as a sex offender when he is released.
Prosecutors said in February and March of 2021, Smith used Instagram to communicate with a girl he knew was younger than 16 years old, sent the pictures, and encouraged her to meet him for sexual activity at a park.
Police arrested Smith a short time later and prosecutors said a search of his phone turned up at least 21 videos and 462 images of child pornography, including kids as young as 3.
Smith pleaded guilty in April 2022.
The Illinois State Police and Bloomington Police Department investigated the case, with help from the Ford County State’s Attorney’s Office.
