Macoupin County Man Charged With 12 Felony Counts of Child Pornography

Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced Jan. 12 that 34-year-old Michael Upton of Palmyra has been charged with multiple felony counts related to child sexual abuse material. Upton faces two counts of disseminating child pornography, each charged as a Class X felony, and 10 counts of possession of child pornography, each charged as a Class 2 felony.

The charges were filed by the Illinois Attorney General’s Office and made public on Jan. 12, 2026. Prosecutors allege criminal conduct involving the possession and distribution of material depicting child sexual abuse. No additional factual details about alleged incidents or investigative methods were released with the charging announcement.

Under Illinois law, Class X felonies are among the most serious non-capital offenses and carry substantial potential prison terms, while Class 2 felonies are less severe but remain significant criminal charges. As with all criminal matters, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. The case will proceed through the state criminal justice system, where prosecutors must present evidence and a court will determine the outcome.

For Morgan County residents, the case carries several local implications. First, it highlights the reach of statewide law enforcement efforts into small towns and rural communities. Charges filed by the Attorney General demonstrate coordination across jurisdictions when alleged crimes involve digital distribution or cross-county elements. Second, the matter reinforces ongoing concerns about online safety for children and the need for families to be vigilant about devices, social media, and file sharing.

Local law enforcement agencies regularly urge residents to report suspected sexual exploitation or online abuse. Community leaders and schools may use high-profile prosecutions to review prevention measures, digital literacy programs, and reporting procedures for suspected misconduct. While this charging announcement originated in neighboring Macoupin County, the surrounding counties share common stakes in protecting children and supporting victims.

This prosecution also signals that state authorities continue to prioritize investigations of child exploitation material. For residents, the immediate takeaway is to remain alert, report concerns to local police or the Attorney General’s office, and support resources for victims. The case will develop through pretrial proceedings; further information will become available as courts schedule hearings and prosecutors file additional records.