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Former Lawmaker Nick Sauer Turns Himself In On Revenge Porn Charges

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Former Illinois State Rep. Nick Sauer turned himself in to Lake County authorities on Thursday afternoon, a day after he was indicted on "revenge porn" charges.

Sauer, a Republican who represented the 51st District, was charged with 12 counts of non-consensual dissemination of private sexual images, involving two victims.

A warrant was issued for Sauer's arrest, and he surrendered to the Lake County Sheriff's office shortly before 1 p.m. Thursday.

nick sauer
Nick Sauer,, a former Illinois state lawmaker, is charged with 12 counts of non-consensual dissemination of private sexual images, for allegedly sharing nude photos of his ex-girlfriend online without her knowledge or permission. (Source: Lake County State's Attorney)

A judge set his bond at $30,000. Sauer posted bail, and was due back in court on Feb. 6.

Once considered a rising star within the Illinois Republican Party, Sauer resigned from the Illinois House last August, after his ex-girlfriend, Kate Kelly, filed a complaint with the Legislative Inspector General, accusing Sauer of creating a fake Instagram account, and sharing nude photos of her with other men.

Sauer allegedly lured the men into thinking they were chatting with Kelly, and coerced them into "engaging in graphic conversations of a sexual nature."

The inspector general's office contacted the Lake County State's Attorney's office about possible criminal activities, and a grand jury returned an indictment on Wednesday.

Sauer was in his first term in the Illinois House when he resigned, and was a member of the House Sexual Discrimination and Harassment Task Force.

The former lawmaker could face up to 3 years in prison for each of the 12 felony counts he faces, if convicted.

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