Park Forest, IL–(ENEWSPF)– A Park Forest man was arrested last week and charged with child pornography following an investigation that began with the FBI in April, 2008. Charges were filed after the investigation moved from the FBI to the Park Forest Police Department.
On Friday, April 4, 2008, shortly after 6 a.m., Detective Michael Baugh and Officer Studer assisted the FBI with the execution of a search warrant at 13 Dogwood Street, Park Forest, in reference to an ongoing federal investigation. According to police, agents collected evidence and completed interviews with Francisco Michelin, Jr., 37, a resident at that address, and another person at that address. At that time, agents indicated that they were going to continue with their investigation and no arrests were made.
Detective Baugh contacted Assistant State’s Attorney (ASA) Kathy Muldoon, who is also the commander of the Cook County Internet Crimes against Children Task Force. ASA Muldoon requested a copy of the DVD that had been collected by the FBI, and reports were reviewed to determine possible charges. In March, 2009, Detective Baugh was contacted by Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney Thor Martin of the Sex Crimes Division. ASA Martin indicated that he had examined material recovered from Michelin’s computer and was ready to proceed with the investigation.
On June 18, 2009, shortly before 9 a.m., Detective Baugh and Special Agent Byron Militello reported to Michelin’s place of employment. Michelin was summoned to the business office and taken into custody without incident, according to police. He was transported to the Park Forest Police Department and placed in an interview room. Cook County State’s Attorney Thor Martin advised Michelin of his Miranda Warnings, which he waived while in the presence of the agent, according to police.
During the interview, Michelin observed printed copies of images previously recovered from his computer, according to police. The pictures were of prepubescent males and females in various sex acts, according to police. Michelin told police he downloaded and viewed the images, according to police.
Francisco Michelin, Jr., 37, 13 Dogwood St., Park Forest, was arrested on June 18 and charged with one felony count of child pornography.
