Juvenile Missing from Effingham County Found in Jasper County; Arrest Made

A Greenup man is in custody and facing a series of charges related to the disappearance of a juvenile in August.

Jasper County State's Attorney Chad Miller Thursday said 20-year-old Devin M. Shupe is being held on charges of child pornography, aggravated criminal sexual abuse, obstruction of justice, and violating a stalking no-contact order.

According to police reports, a 15-year-old girl went missing in Effingham County on August 21 and was later reported as a runaway. The juvenile was believed to be with Shupe, but her whereabouts remained unknown. On Tuesday, a combined effort of the Effingham County Sheriff's Department, the Newton Police Department and the Jasper County Sheriff's Department culminated in the recovery of the juvenile at a residence in Newton. Shupe was located with the juvenile and has been charged with crimes associated with helping the juvenile runaway as well as alleged inappropriate contact with the juvenile.

If convicted on the child pornography charge, Shupe faces up to four to 15 years in prison. The aggravated criminal sexual abuse charge carries a penalty of up to three to seven years in prison.

Shupe made his initial court appearance Thursday in Jasper County Circuit Court. Judge Robin Todd set Shupe's bond at $250,000. Jasper County Public Defender Bill Hoffeditz will serve as Shupe's attorney. Shupe is next due in court for his first appearance with counsel on Tuesday.