On August 18, 2021, Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Zone 2 officials arrested Richard L. Hockenberry, a 77-year-old male of Viola, IL, for 2 counts of Possession of Child Pornography (Class 2 Felony).
On August 18, 2021 ISP DCI Investigators, along with the Illinois Attorney General’s High Tech Crime Bureau and the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Hockenberry’s residence in the 900 block of 280th Street, Viola, IL following an investigation involving child pornography. During the warrant execution, investigators seized evidence supporting the arrest of Hockenberry.
Hockenberry was charged in Mercer County Court and released on $50,000 bond. The investigation remains open and on-going. No further information will be disseminated by the Illinois State Police.
The public is reminded all persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
***Report Courtesy of the Illinois State Police***