Wabash County Sheriff J. Derek Morgan has released additional details regarding the arrest of a Bellmont man we first reported on earlier this week.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, deputies executed a court-authorized search warrant on April 29th at a residence on North Freetrade Street in Bellmont as part of an investigation into the possession and dissemination of child sexual abuse material.
During the search, 28-year-old Gage E. Hoffman was taken into custody without incident. Investigators say electronic evidence believed to be connected to the case was recovered at the scene. Authorities also report obtaining statements indicating the alleged sharing and storage of material through online platforms.
Hoffman was transported to the Wabash County Jail and initially charged with possession of child pornography. The investigation remains active, with additional forensic analysis of electronic devices ongoing.
The Wabash County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Mt. Carmel Police Department and the Illinois Attorney General’s Office.
As previously reported, Hoffman now faces seven Class X felony charges related to child sexual abuse material. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on May 18th, with a final pretrial set for June 15th and a jury trial scheduled for July 6th.
