ISP arrests 6 men in Sangamon, Christian Co. for child porn

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Illinois State Police announced the arrests of six men for over 60 child sexual abuse materials charges.

The investigation took place in Sangamon and Christian counties for internet crimes against children, including possession and dissemination of child sexual abuse materials.

On Sept. 5, 2024, ISP agents arrested Robert W. Retzloff, a 45-year-old Taylorville man. The Christian County State’s Attorney’s Office approved eight counts of Dissemination of Child Pornography (Class X Felony) against Retzloff and he is being held at the Christian County Jail, according to state police.

ISP said agents conducted five additional child exploitation investigations in Sangamon County. On September 18, 2024, the Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office issued arrest warrants on these cases. The following people were taken into custody on Sept. 18-19, 2024 for the charges listed below:

Nicholas R. Hackwith (20) of Springfield, IL – 12 counts of Possession of Child Pornography (Class 2 Felony)
Daniel J. McBride (22) of Springfield, IL – 13 counts of Dissemination of Child Pornography (Class X Felony) and two counts of Dissemination of Child Pornography (Class 1 Felony)
Cam A. Metzger (37) of Springfield, IL – 12 counts of Possession of Child Pornography (Class 2 Felony)
Stephen K. Peak (20) of Springfield, IL – Three counts of Dissemination of Child Pornography (Class X Felony) and two counts of Possession of Child Pornography (Class 2 Felony)
Giacomo A. Pecoraro III (23) of Springfield, IL – two counts of Dissemination of Child Pornography (Class X Felony) and 10 counts of Possession of Child Pornography (Class 2 Felony)

ISP agents were assisted by the Illinois Attorney General’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), the United States Marshals Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force, and ISP Troop 6.

Anonymous tips of child sexual abuse and exploitation materials can also be reported through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's (NCMEC) cyber tip line at www.cybertipline.com. To keep kids safe online, learn more at: https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/onlinesafe/; www.cybertipline.org; For resources for survivors of sexual abuse visit: https://www.missingkids.org/gethelpnow/csam-resources.

All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.