Girard Man Arrested by State Police on Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges

Article Summary: A 48-year-old Girard man is facing Class X felony charges for the possession and dissemination of child sexual abuse materials following a multi-agency investigation sparked by a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Girard CSAM Investigation Key Points:

• James Barnard, 48, was arrested on April 1, 2026, after authorities executed a search warrant at his residence in the 200 block of North Harrison Street.

• Barnard is charged with Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials – Child Under Age 13 and Dissemination of Child Sexual Abuse Materials, both Class X Felonies.

• The Illinois State Police led the investigation with assistance from the Macoupin County Sheriff’s Office and the Illinois Attorney General’s Office.

• The suspect is currently being held at the Macoupin County Jail as the active investigation continues.

Following a multi-agency investigation sparked by a national tip, the Illinois State Police (ISP) on April 1, 2026, arrested a 48-year-old Girard man on multiple felony charges relating to child sexual abuse materials.

According to the ISP Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 6, special agents initially launched the investigation after receiving a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). Working in conjunction with the Macoupin County Sheriff’s Office and the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, investigators subsequently identified James Barnard of Girard as the primary suspect.

On April 1, ISP special agents executed a search warrant at Barnard’s residence, located in the 200 block of North Harrison Street. Officers took Barnard into custody at the scene without incident.

The following day, on April 2, 2026, the ISP presented the case to the Macoupin County State’s Attorney’s Office. Prosecutors officially filed two Class X felony charges against Barnard: Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials – Child Under Age 13, and Dissemination of Child Sexual Abuse Materials.

Authorities confirmed that Barnard is currently being held at the Macoupin County Jail. Law enforcement officials noted that the investigation remains ongoing.

In the wake of the arrest, the Illinois State Police reminded the public that resources are available for parents and survivors of abuse. The public can anonymously report suspected child sexual abuse materials through the NCMEC Cybertip line at www.cybertipline.com. Additional online safety information and resources for survivors can be accessed through the Illinois Attorney General’s Office website and missingkids.org.