Marion man in custody on child pornography charges

MARION - A Marion man is in custody on child pornography charges.

According to a media release from the Illinois State Police, 19-year-old Joshua Bloodworth was arrested on May 5 and is charged with sexual exploitation of a child, groom, and production of child pornography.

The arrest came after officers with the Illinois State Police Division of Criminal investigation Zone 7 and agents from the Illinois Attorney General's office executed a search warrant at a Williamson County residence.

Bloodworth was charged with sexually exploiting multiple female juvenile victims from California, South Dakota, and Illinois. Charges include Sexual Exploitation of a Child (Class A Misdemeanor), Grooming (Class 4 Felony), and Production of Child Pornography (Class 1 Felony).

Bloodworth was transported to the Williamson County jail where he is currently being held awaiting a bond hearing.

Police departments from Exeter, California and Watertown, South Dakota are assisting in this ongoing investigation.

Anyone with additional information regarding possible illegal conduct by Bloodworth is asked to call ISP DCI Zone 7 at (618) 384-0723.