Former police officer sentenced on child porn charges in Piatt County

MONTICELLO, Ill. (WAND) — A former Monticello police officer has been sentenced for child pornography.

William “Craig” Griswold, 40, was sentenced to 36 years in prison for disseminating child sexual abuse material.

He was sentenced by Piatt County Circuit Court Judge Gary A. Webber on Tuesday after previously pleading guilty to two Class X felony counts of dissemination of child pornography.

Piatt County State’s Attorney Sarah Perry worked with Ilinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul to prosecute Griswold.

“Child exploitation is a horrific crime that is made even more reprehensible when the alleged offender is a member of law enforcement who has sworn to protect families,” Raoul said. “This sentence sends the message that offenders who commit these crimes will be held accountable – no matter who they are. I will continue to partner with local law enforcement officers and state’s attorneys to obtain justice for survivors.”

“I am pleased with the outcome of the sentencing hearing, and I believe it was a just resolution of this case,” State’s Attorney Perry said. “I appreciate the efforts of all involved, including the investigation conducted by the Illinois State Police and the collaboration with the Attorney General’s Office in prosecuting this case.”

Child sexual exploitation can be reported online at cybertipline.com and child abuse at dcfsonlinereporting.dcfs.illinois.gov. In addition, local child advocacy centers can be found at childrensadvocacycentersofillinois.org.