Sterling man charged with possession and distribution of child pornography

STERLING, Ill. (KWQC) – A Sterling man was arrested Tuesday after Illinois State Police say he possessed and distributed child pornography.

Alex D. Leatherman, 35, charged with possession of child pornography, a Class 2 felony; and distribution of child pornography, a Class X felony.

According to state police, officers were investigating child pornography after receiving a tip from Twitter. State police contacted Lederman by phone and he agreed to meet for an interview at Illinois State Police Headquarters 1 in Sterling.

According to state police, Lederman admitted during an interview that he possessed and distributed child pornography, and they found evidence on his phone.

Lederman was taken to Whiteside County Jail, where he is awaiting a bond hearing.

State police said the investigation is ongoing.

The Illinois State Police has parenting resources to help people report crimes against children and help victims begin their path to healing and recovery. To keep children safe online, find out more at: https://illinoisaattorneygeneral.gov/onlinesafe/; To report online abuse visit: www.cybertipline.org; For resources for sexual assault survivors, visit: https://www.missingkids.org/gethelpnow/csam-resources.

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