Marcus W. Leyva Cody J. Shepler Leo R. Barnett III
Three men from Southern Illinois have been arrested after a months-long investigation into alleged child pornography offenses, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department.
The investigation began on January 8th when the sheriff’s department received a tip regarding the possible production of child pornography. Detectives quickly identified a suspect, 37-year-old Marcus W. Leyva of Woodlawn, and arrested him at his home the same day. Several items of evidence were collected from Leyva’s residence, leading to his booking at the Jefferson County Jail.
Evidence recovered during the search also allowed investigators to widen the probe and identify additional suspects. Search warrants for electronic records from multiple sources were obtained as the investigation continued.
As a result, authorities arrested 25-year-old Cody J. Shepler and 29-year-old Leo R. Barnett III, both of Mount Vernon, on March 10th and March 13th respectively. Both men were transported to the Jefferson County Jail.
According to the Jefferson County State’s Attorney’s Office, Leyva faces one count of Class X felony dissemination of child pornography and one count of Class 2 felony possession of child pornography. Shepler has been charged with four counts of Class 2 felony possession of child pornography, while Barnett faces five counts of Class 2 felony possession of child pornography.