Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 2 Special Agents arrested 24-year-old Bryce Berhenke of Matherville, IL for five counts of Dissemination of Child Sexual Abuse Materials (Class X Felony), three counts of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials Under 13 (Class 2 Felony), and two counts of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials Over 13 (Class 3 Felony).
On November 20, 2025, ISP Special Agents executed a search warrant at Berhenke’s residence in the 100 block of 1st Street in Matherville and collected electronic evidence. The evidence was analyzed and revealed child sexual abuse materials.
ISP Special Agents presented their case to Mercer County State’s Attorney Grace Simpson who approved the above-mentioned charges. Berhenke was arrested and transported to the Mercer County Jail where he remains in custody.
The Mercer County Sheriff’s Office and the Illinois Attorney General’s Office assisted with the investigation. There is no further information.
The Illinois State Police provides resources for parents, for the public to report crimes against children, and survivors to start their path towards healing and recovery. Anonymous tips of child sexual abuse materials can also be reported through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s (NCMEC) cyber tip line at www.cybertipline.com. To keep kids safe online, learn more at: https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/onlinesafe/; www.cybertipline.org; For resources for survivors of sexual abuse visit: https://www.missingkids.org/gethelpnow/csam-resources/
The charges are not evidence against the defendant, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
***Courtesy of the Illinois State Police***
