Wadsworth Man, 74, Arrested After Police Say 200,000 Child Sexual Abuse Files Were Downloaded

WADSWORTH, Ill. (WLS) — A 74-year-old man from north suburban Wadsworth has been arrested and charged after authorities said he downloaded nearly 200,000 files containing child sexual abuse material.

Lake County officials said Steven C. Kazmer was taken into custody Wednesday. He is facing eight felony counts of child pornography.

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The arrest followed an investigation involving the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office, the Woodstock Police Department and the Illinois Attorney General’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Investigators said they identified a suspect believed to be downloading and sharing child sexual abuse material.

On Wednesday, authorities executed a search warrant at a residence in the 4700 block of Pebble Beach Drive in Wadsworth. The operation included the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Waukegan Police Department and the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, along with electronic storage detection K9s Enzo and Grip from the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Officials said Kazmer was arrested after investigators found multiple electronic devices containing files of child sexual abuse material, including files believed to have been deleted.

Kazmer appeared in court Thursday, where a judge ordered that he remain in custody while awaiting trial.

He is scheduled to return to court on August 5.