Elgin Cop Faces Child Porn Charges, Arrested On Duty: AG

ELGIN, IL — A 33-year-old Elgin police department faces child pornography charges after he was charged by the Illinois State’s Attorney’s Office on Wednesday after investigators said they found explicit images on the officer’s home computer, the agency announced.

Jordan Collins of Kirkland was charged by Attorney General Kwame Raoul and faces five counts of possession of child pornography, the agency said. Collins, who has been with the Elgin Police Department for five years, faces up to seven years in prison for each count, Raoul said. Collins is being held in the DeKalb County Jail.

Collins was arrested while on duty Monday evening, Raoul said. Investigators from Raoul’s office and deputies from the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office conducted a search of Collins' home and found evidence of child pornography, the agency said.

“This officer was placed on administrative leave immediately following the arrest with additional action expected following review of the criminal charges,” Elgin Police Chief Ana Lalley said in a statement released by the department “The criminal actions of a single police officer do not define the Elgin Police Department. This department will never deviate from upholding the highest standards of integrity, accountability, and dedication to the community it serves.”

Raoul’s office will co-prosecute this case with the DeKalb County State’s Attorney's office, both agencies announced.

“All child predators, particularly those in a position of authority, must be held accountable for the horrific crime of child pornography that can leave life-long scars on victims and their families,” Raoul said in a statement released by his office on Wednesday. “I am absolutely committed to working with local law enforcement agencies to protect communities from offenders who exploit children – even if those individuals are themselves supposed to be keeping their communities safe.”