EDWARDSVILLE – Robert G. Smith, 73, faces 11 felony counts of child sexual abuse material over allegations that he distributed and possessed images depicting children younger than 13 on Sept. 22, 2026, in Madison County, according to charging documents.
Three counts accuse Smith of knowingly distributing the material through Discord and Snapchat. Each is listed as a Class X felony carrying an enhanced prison sentencing range of nine to 30 years. The remaining eight counts allege possession of child sexual abuse material and are listed as Class 1 felonies.
The charges cite Smith’s March 18, 1991, conviction for aggravated criminal sexual abuse in Madison County Circuit Court.
The first distribution count alleges Smith shared an image depicting child sexual abuse through Discord. The second and third counts allege he shared images depicting the sexual exploitation of children through Snapchat.
The possession counts involve a 12-second video and seven photographs depicting child sexual abuse or exploitation, according to the charging documents. Each count alleges Smith knew the nature or content of the material and knew or reasonably should have known the child depicted was younger than 13.
The distribution counts allege violations of an Illinois law prohibiting dissemination of child sexual abuse material, while the possession counts allege violations of a separate provision of the same law.
These charges, as well as the statements made herein, are based upon probable cause. The defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
