Vandalia Man Convicted of Child Pornography

Vandalia resident Dennis Pickens was found guilty Tuesday on four counts of Production of Child Pornography by Judge Chad Miller after a bench trial.

Each count of child pornography is a Class X felony, punishable by up to 30 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Pickens’ bond was revoked after the finding and he will remain in custody until sentencing. The 65-year-old Pickens is facing a minimum sentence of 24 years and a maximum sentence of 120 years. The State was represented by the Fayette County State’s Attorney, Brenda Mathis, and was assisted by the Office of the Attorney General, Kwame Raoul. Assistant Attorney General Shannon O’Brien represented the Office of the Attorney General.

“My office commends the hard work and diligence from law enforcement and prosecutors that went into seeing this case successfully finished and effectuating justice for the victims. Vandalia Police Department and Greenville Police Department did a great job of investigating this case,” Mathis said. “We would also like to give a special thank you to the assistance of the Attorney General’s Office and appreciate their diligence in prosecution of Child Pornography.”

“We appreciate the hard work, commitment, and teamwork on this case from the State’s Attorney’s Office, Vandalia Police Department, Greenville Police Department, and Attorney General’s Office to bring this case to a successful completion and for their efforts in bringing justice to the victims,” said Chief Jeff Ray of the Vandalia Police Department.

“This verdict will protect children in the community from the trauma of abuse and exploitation,” said Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul. “Child survivors and their families often face a long road to recovery, and I hope this guilty verdict gives them the justice that supports them on that journey. I look forward to continued collaboration with the Fayette County State’s Attorney’s office as we protect families from child predators.”