Pana man arrested on child pornography charges

PANA, Ill. (WAND) - A Pana man has been arrested and charged with possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material.

Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation officials announced the arrest of 30-year-old Braxton Schaffenacker.

On January 14, 2025, ISP DCI Zone 4 Major Crimes-Springfield Agents started an investigation into Schaffenacker allegedly possessing and disseminating child sexual abuse material. During the investigation, ISP Investigators assigned to the Office of the Illinois Attorney General Internet Crimes against Children Task Force said they gathered digital evidence indicating that Schaffenacker possessed child sexual abuse material at his home in Christian County.

On February 13, Illinois State Police Zone 4 Major Crimes-Springfield, the Pana Police Department, and the Office of Illinois Attorney General executed a search warrant at Schaffenacker’s residence and arrested him.

Schaffenacker was charged by the Christian County State’s Attorney’s Office with Dissemination of Child Pornography (Class X) and Possession of Child Pornography (Class 2).

Schaffenacker is being held at the Christian County Jail pending a detention hearing.