City of Bloomington, IL

09/21/2023 | Press release | Archived content

Media Release - Child Pornography Arrest 9/21/23

Child Pornography Arrest

Bloomington, IL - On 09/20/23, after an investigation by the Bloomington Police Department's (BPD) Cyber Crimes Unit, Rachael Mitchell was indicted on 15 counts of possession and reproduction of child pornography. The investigation began when a technology company made a report, to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, regarding the uploading and sharing of videos believed to be child sex abuse material.

Detectives with the BPD Criminal Investigations Division executed a search warrant at Mitchell's residence. During the course of the investigation, evidence of child pornography was located. After being indicted, a warrant was issued for Mitchell's arrest. Members of the BPD Street Crimes Unit (SCU) located and arrested Mitchell without incident.

ARRESTED: Rachael Mitchell, 33, of Bloomington Illinois

- Possession of Child Pornography with a victim less than 13

- Reproduction of Child Pornography with a victim less than 13

Chief Jamal Simington stated, "These crimes and the victimization of children are most concerning for our team of detectives. They work with resolve and determination to investigate these crimes and I am thankful for their courage and commitment."

The BPD participates in the Illinois Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force that investigates child exploitation crimes and trains law enforcement agencies. BPD receives CyberTips, or online reports of child pornography, from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The BPD will continue their efforts in investigating cases of child sexual exploitation occurring over the internet. If you believe you or someone you know is a victim of sexual exploitation, you can submit a tip with NCMEC at https://report.cybertip.org/.

###

If you wish to submit a crime tip and remain anonymous, please contact the Crime & Intelligence Analysis Unit (CIAU) at 309-434-2963 or email [email protected]. You can also text the number 847411 by texting the word "BPDTIPS", then a space, followed by your tip information.

The CIAU office is staffed from 8am-4:30pm, weekdays. If no one is available to answer your call, please leave the information on the voicemail or send it by e-mail.