(Libertyville, IL) Today, Marshall Sheffer, 44, was arrested and charged with eight counts of Child Pornography. Two counts are Class X felonies, and six counts are Class 1 felonies.
The investigation began after students at a Libertyville middle school reported to school staff that they believed their teacher was video recording students.
During the investigation, Libertyville detectives were able to obtain the defendant’s phone and a forensic examination by the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office (LCSAO) Cyber Lab revealed numerous images of students that had been altered using artificial intelligence (AI) to create explicit images.
As the investigation continued, detectives recovered multiple electronic devices and executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence, with the assistance of the LCSAO Electronic Storage Detection (ESD) K9 Grip, and the Sheriff’s Office ESD K9 Enzo, to find and seize any additional explicit child images.
Following the investigation, the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office approved eight counts of Child Pornography.
“This was a highly sensitive, complex and lengthy investigation. Its success relied on the work of our Investigators and the close collaboration with our partners at the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office, Cyber Crimes Division, the Lake County Children's Advocacy Center, and Libertyville School District 70,” Libertyville Police Chief Ed Roncone stated.
Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart said, “Protecting children from exploitation and abuse is our top priority. The Libertyville Police Department, our Cyber Crimes Division, ESD K9 Grip, ESD K9 Enzo, and the Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center have done great work investigating this case. We are committed to holding these offenders accountable and using every available tool, including digital forensics and K9 resources, to keep our community safe.”
Sheffer surrendered earlier this morning and is due to appear in court on Sunday morning, July 5, 2026. The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office intends to file a petition to detain Sheffer in custody while the case is pending.
Authorities will continue working closely with the families and students impacted by these crimes to keep them informed about charges and connect them with support services.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
