Quincy man charged with distribution, possession of child pornography after Thursday arrest

QUINCY — A Quincy man was arrested Thursday and charged with one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.

Detectives with the Quincy Police Department began an investigation in July after learning a person was alleged to have shared child exploitative imagery with other users over social media.  Detectives executed several search warrants on various social media companies and Internet service providers to gather information and identify Matthew D. Falkingham, 34, as the suspect.  

The Quincy Police Department arrested Falkingham at approximately 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8, during a traffic stop near 12th and Harrison in Quincy.  Officers escorted Falkingham to his residence in the 800 block of Jackson, where the residence was searched. Several cell phones and electronic items were collected.

Falkingham was then transported to the Quincy Police Department, where he was interviewed. He ultimately was lodged in the Adams County Jail.  

Falkingham made his first appearance in Adams County Circuit Court on Friday afternoon before Judge Christopher Pratt. He was released on pretrial release. The distribution of child pornography charge is a Class X felony, punishable for between six and 30 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. The possession of child pornography charge is a Class 2 felony, punishable for between three and seven years in prison.

A preliminary hearing is set for Monday.