Buffalo Grove Man Charged with Child Pornography

A Buffalo Grove resident faces felony child pornography charges after numerous images were recovered from one of his home computers, according to the office of Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez.

Michael Welstead, 50, of the 100 block of Raupp Boulevard, was charged April 24 with aggravated child pornography (still depiction by computer), aggravated child pornography (moving depiction by computer) and child pornography (still depiction by computer).

According to prosecutors, an investigation of individuals searching for and downloading suspected child pornography led officers to Welstead. Buffalo Grove police officers went to Welstead’s residence, interviewed him and recovered a laptop, two computers and hard drive from the residence. A forensic analysis revealed numerous files on the laptop depicting children engaging in a variety of sex acts.

Each of the three charges against Welstead is a Class 2 felony punishable by two to seven years in prison and a maximum fine of $100,000, Buffalo Grove police said.

Welstead is being held on a $50,000 bond. His next court date is May 23 at the Rolling Meadows courthouse.

Members of the Cook County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Buffalo Grove Police Department and the Illinois Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force all worked on this case, the Cook County State's Attorney's office said in its statement.

The Cook County State’s Attorney’s office administers the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force to provide guidance to parents on Internet safety and offer a place to report criminal acts such as child pornography, sexual solicitation of a child or to report a missing child.  To report an Internet crime against a child, call (312) 492-3655.