Daughter testifies that she grew up in a loving home in Decatur child porn trial

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — The trial for a Decatur couple accused of child porn is in its second day with more witnesses and closing arguments.

Douglas R. Nichols and Kelly J. Nichols were arrested in December 2022 on child pornography charges. In addition, Doug was charged with aggravated criminal sexual abuse and criminal sexual assault. Both have pleaded not guilty to all charges.

WAND is in the courtroom, and will continue to update this story with the latest information.

On the opening day of trial, a Decatur police detective testified about videos and photos he found on the couple's computer and hard drives from their basement. Some of the images dated back to 2002 and included images of their own children.

Defense attorneys argued that there isn't any proof about who took the images and that the photos weren't labeled or categorized. They further argued that the couple could have been completely unaware about the images on the devices.

Some of the images were shown in court, but the judge only permitted certain individuals involved in the case to see them.

One of the Nichols' daughters — who is now an adult — took the stand Thursday afternoon. She said her parents were very supportive — and she never felt unsafe at home.

Their other daughter testified on Friday. She described Kelly as the "epitome of a good mother," and said that she and her sister grew up in a loving home. She told the court that she doesn't remember who took the photos, but that photos and videos were a daily occurrence in their home growing up.

A forensic expert for the defense testified that the computer with the child porn images had not accessed any websites linked to child pornography. The witness also said there was no evidence the computer was used to on the dark web with the intent to distribute, acquire, or view child pornography.

A detective also sifted through images on several devices, including a computer, external hard drive, and several cellphones.

Closing arguments took place Friday afternoon. Court will reconvene on Thursday.