Lawmakers Criticized Over Enforcement of Pretrial Conditions in Child Pornography Case

A 37-year-old Woodford County man faces 21 counts of possessing child pornography following an extensive investigation and a search of his home. After the state’s attorney requested to deny pre-trial release, a judge, citing the Pretrial Fairness Act, ruled the defendant could not be detained but imposed strict conditions, including no internet access and no contact with minors. On the House floor in Springfield, Representative Dennis Tipsword criticized the system, questioning who would enforce these restrictions. Tipsword argued that blame lies with lawmakers themselves, not with police, attorneys, or judges, pointing to legislative responsibility for the outcomes.

Today on the House floor in Springfield, State Representative Dennis Tipsword (R-Metamora) asked “Who is going to enforce these ridiculous conditions?”  He went on to say that it is not the police officers’ fault, it’s not the state’s attorney’s fault, and it’s not the judge’s fault.  He said, “Look around this chamber…it is our fault.”