SWANSEA — KeyShawn G. Smith, 24, has been charged with multiple felony counts related to the online exploitation of minors following an investigation initiated by the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force and the Swansea Police Department.
The investigation began on Oct. 9, 2025, when the ICAC Task Force notified Swansea police of a possible adult suspect involved in child exploitation and possession of child pornography. Swansea Police detective Alex Wilken, an ICAC member with extensive experience in such cases, led the inquiry using advanced digital forensics, search warrants, subpoenas, and coordination with other ICAC agencies.
Smith faces charges including predatory criminal sexual assault of a child and four counts of possession of child pornography involving victims under 13 years old, all classified as Class X felonies. Authorities located Smith in Fargo, North Dakota, where he was taken into custody. Extradition proceedings to St. Clair County are underway.
The Swansea Police Department expressed gratitude to the Collinsville Police Department, Fairview Heights Police Department, the St. Clair County Child Advocacy Center, and the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office for their assistance during the investigation.
Detective Wilken can be contacted for more information at 618-233-8114 or awilken@swanseail.org.
As a result of the investigation, the suspect, KeyShawn G. Smith, age 24, has been formally charged with the following offenses:
Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child (Class X)
Possession of Child Pornography / Victim < 13 Years Old (Class X)
Possession of Child Pornography / Victim < 13 Years Old (Class X)
Possession of Child Pornography / Victim < 13 Years Old (Class X)
Possession of Child Pornography / Victim < 13 Years Old (Class X)
The Illinois Supreme Court reminds that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
