MARION, IL — A Marion man has been arrested and charged in connection with the production of child pornography. According to a press release from Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 7, 19-year-old Joshua Bloodworth was arrested Wednesday.

While conducting an Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) investigation, ISP DCI Zone 7 and agents from the Illinois Attorney General’s Office executed a search warrant at a home in Williamson County. Bloodworth was charged with sexually exploiting multiple female juvenile victims from California, South Dakota and Illinois. His charges include Sexual Exploitation of a Child – a Class A misdemeanor, Grooming – a Class 4 Felony and Production of Child Pornography – a Class 1 felony. Bloodworth was taken to the Williamson County Jail, where he is being held awaiting a bond hearing.

The Exeter, CA Police Department and Watertown, SD Police Department also assisted ISP DCI Zone 7 in this open and ongoing investigation.  No additional information is being released at this time.

Anyone with additional information regarding possible illegal conduct by Bloodworth is asked to call ISP DCI Zone 7 at 618-384-0723.