Crime & Safety

Instagram Photos Lead to Sex Abuse, Child Porn Charges for Elmwood Park Man

Elmwood Park man charged with criminal sexual abuse and child pornography after he allegedly threatened a 16-year-old boy with lewd photos, according to the Office of Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez.

An Elmwood Park man is being held in Cook County Jail on $250,000 bail for charges he sexually assaulted a 16-year-old boy and threatened him with lewd photographs, according to a news release from the Office of Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez.

Lionel Jackson, 28, has been charged with two counts of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse and one count of Child Pornography in connection with the incident. He was cooked in Cook County Jail on Saturday, Nov. 16. 

Prosecutors said Jackson met with the victim in a car wash waiting room in August and initiated a conversation about the victim’s phone.

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The two exchanged contact information, and Jackson invited the victim to his home, where he gave him alcohol and marijuana, according to the release. The victim fell asleep on the couch and was awakened because Jackson was trying to pull his pants down, according to the release. 

In addition to posting a picture of the victim sleeping on Instagram, Jackson also sent the victim lewd pictures and threatened to publish them unless the victim agreed to have sex with him, according to the release. 

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The victim returned to Jackson’s home in response to the threat, but left the residence after Jackson attempted to sexually assault him, according to the release. Days later, the victim told his father about the incidents and police were alerted. 

During a search of Jackson's home, Elmwood Park police officers found sexually explicit photos on Jackson's phone and incriminating evidence on his Instagram account.

Jackson is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday, Dec. 11. 


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