Des Plaines Man Charged with Possession of Over 100 Child Sex Abuse Images

The 24-year-old was arrested after an investigation by the Cook County Sheriff's Office Internet Crimes Against Children Unit and Cyber Trafficking Unit.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A 24-year-old man from unincorporated Des Plaines, Illinois has been charged with felony possession of child sexual abuse material after police found over 100 images on his cellphone, including those depicting children under 13 years old. Matthew Feeney was arrested last Thursday following an investigation by the Cook County Sheriff's Office.

Why it matters

The possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material is a serious crime that exploits and traumatizes vulnerable minors. This arrest highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to identify and apprehend individuals engaged in these illicit activities.

The details

On the day prior to Feeney's arrest, investigators with the Sheriff's Police Internet Crimes Against Children Unit and Cyber Trafficking Unit received information indicating that a cell phone belonging to Feeney contained the child sexual abuse material images. Police then obtained a search warrant, located Feeney near his residence, and took him into custody while also seizing his cellphone.

  • On February 19, investigators located Feeney near his residence and took him into custody.
  • Feeney made his initial court appearance on Saturday and was ordered into the custody of the Cook County Jail.

The players

Matthew Feeney

A 24-year-old man from the 9000 block of Capitol Drive in unincorporated Des Plaines, Illinois who was charged with felony possession of child sexual abuse material.

Cook County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that conducted the investigation and arrested Feeney, including the Internet Crimes Against Children Unit and Cyber Trafficking Unit.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to engage in the exploitation of children.”

— Robert Jenkins, Cook County Sheriff

What’s next

Feeney will remain in custody at the Cook County Jail as the case proceeds through the judicial system.

The takeaway

This arrest underscores the critical importance of vigilant law enforcement efforts to identify and apprehend those involved in the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material, in order to protect vulnerable minors and uphold justice.