Sex crimes are among some of the most seriously prosecuted crimes under Illinois law. They also often become an offender’s identity after conviction and release from prison, due to laws regarding sex offender registration. Sex crimes are serious felony crimes and a sex crimes conviction can follow an offender for the rest of his or her life. Add to that a sex crimes conviction involving a child, and the problem dramatically intensifies.
One Chicago man must now serve out his sentence on a sex crimes conviction involving sexual assaulting a minor and child pornography. According to the Sun Times, before
42-year-old Jesus Alanis became a known child sex offender, he had a sparkling record highlighted by numerous community accolades and experience working in public service. Mr. Alanis had worked in the City of Chicago Human Resources Department as a program manager. Prior to his position with the city, Mr. Alanis had worked for Arne Duncan, who was the Chicago schools chief at that time. Mr. Alanis worked for United Neighborhood Organization and was a graduate of that organization’s Metropolitan Leadership Institute.
Mr. Alanis’ life as a dedicated public servant ended in June of 2012, when he was fired following his arrest on sex crimes charges. Earlier in September of this year, Mr. Alanis pleaded guilty to criminal sexual assault and manufacturing child pornography. Mr. Alanis had sexually assaulted a minor and videotaped the assaults over a four year period. Mr. Alanis was ultimately sentenced to serve 20 years in prison.
Child Pornography Law in Illinois
Child pornography is a felony crime under Illinois law. Under 720 ILCS 5/11-20.1, it is a crime to film, videotape, photograph, or otherwise depict or portray a child under the age of 18 engaged in any act of sexual penetration or sexual conduct with any person or animal, either actually or by simulation. It is also a crime to film, videotape, photograph, or otherwise depict or portray a child engaged in any act of sexual penetration or sexual conduct involving the sex organs of the child, as well as the mouth, anus, or sex organs of another person or animal, or engaged in any act of masturbation. The possession of each individual film, or other medium of recording, constitutes a single and separate violation. It is important to note, that an affirmative defense to the charge of child pornography is that the defendant reasonably believed under all of the circumstances that the child was 18-years-old or older.
Child pornography can be a Class 1 felony, with a fine between $2,000 and $100,000 if the violation does not involve a film, videotape, or other moving depiction of the pornography. It can be charged as a Class X felony if a videotape, film, or other moving depiction is involved.
There are numerous other provisions under the child pornography statute, encompassing much more conduct than is outlined here. Child pornography charges are complex, and require skill and experience to fully understand the range of penalties and consequences as defendant faces. If you have been charged with a felony crime in Illinois, you should immediately seek out the assistance of an experienced attorney. Contact Goldman & Associates today for a confidential consultation.
