Indiana Man Accused In Child Porn Case

CROWN POINT, Ind. (STMW) - Lake County Sheriff's Office investigators have charged a 47-year-old Gages Lake man with several felony counts of child pornography and child exploitation.

James E. Toman of the 18600 block of West Gages Lake Road was taken into custody Thursday following a search warrant that was executed at his home.

Toman was being held Friday on $750,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear again in court Feb. 14 for a preliminary hearing.

Authorities said the investigation began late last year following contact by a Lake Villa couple who told investigators they had discovered their 14-year-old son was having a sexually charged Internet chat with an unknown adult male. Investigators said Friday they were able to identify Toman by obtaining subpoenas for the electronic records.

After reviewing the case with the Lake County State's Attorney's Office, a search warrant was obtained and executed. Toman was taken into custody and transported to the Criminal Investigations Division where he confirmed there was child pornography on his computer, authorities said.

A search of Toman's computer revealed images and video of Toman involved in explicit sexual activity with a person believed to be under the age of consent. Investigators are working with Toman to identify the potential victim and make contact with him.

He was charged with one count of child pornography, two counts of indecent solicitation of a child and one count of sexual exploitation of a child.

The solicitation and exploitation charges resulted from the online relationship Toman was having with the 14-year-old Lake Villa boy. Detectives are convinced no sexual contact took place between Toman and the boy.

Investigators are seeking to identify any other potential victims and possibly additional offenders in this case. Anyone with information should contact Detective David Tomasello at (847) 377 4250.

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