DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Lisle Chief of Police Kevin Licko announced today that a student at Benedictine University has been charged with possession and dissemination of child pornography. On March 15, 2023, DuPage County Circuit Court Judge Joshua Dieden issued a $100,000 with 10% to apply arrest warrant for Joseph Wilke, 20 (d.o.b. 5/13/2002) of the 5600 block of College Road, Lisle. Later that day, Wilke turned himself in to authorities, posted the necessary 10%, or $10,000, and was released from custody. He is charged with four counts of Dissemination of Child Pornography (Class X Felony) and four counts of Possession of Child Pornography (Class 2 Felony).
Through the course of their continuing efforts into child pornography, investigators from the Lisle Police Department received information regarding an IP address possibly engaging in child pornography. Based upon this information and through the course of their investigation, it is alleged that in October 2022, Wilke was in possession of and disseminated videos depicting child pornography.
“As I have said many times in the past, child pornography is not a victimless crime,” Berlin said. “Every time one of these images is downloaded or shared on the Internet, child pornography claims another young, innocent victim. To protect these most vulnerable, my office stands ready to vigorously prosecute any allegations of child pornography. I would like to stress that these charges are in no way connected to Benedictine University. Authorities at the University have been extremely cooperative throughout this entire case and for that I thank them. I commend the Lisle Police Department for their efforts not only on this case, but for their ongoing commitment to protecting our children from those who would possess these vile images, as alleged in this case. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorney Michael Pingaj for his work in securing these charges against Mr. Wilke.”
“The Lisle Police Department will relentlessly pursue anyone engaged in creating, possessing, or distributing child pornography, especially in an educational setting,” said Police Chief Kevin Licko. “I want to acknowledge our detectives for doing a great job in piecing this investigation together and thank DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin’s Office for their support of this investigation to hold Mr. Wilke accountable.”
Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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