Dwayne E. Robinson, of O’Fallon, Illinois, has been charged with sexually exploiting a minor and
possession of prepubescent child pornography. The 57-year old was arraigned on the two-count
indictment late last month. According to the indictment, on July 26, 2018, Robinson (also known as
“Rob") employed, used, persuaded, induced, and enticed a minor to engage in sexually explicit
conduct so that he could produce a visual depiction of that conduct. The indictment further alleges
that, on June 10, 2020, Robinson knowingly possessed a device that contained prepubescent child
pornography. Robinson is also facing state charges related to these offenses.
An indictment is merely a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed
to be innocent of a charge beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
If convicted of sexual exploiting a minor, Robinson faces 15-30 years imprisonment. Possession of
prepubescent child pornography is punishable by as much as 20 years imprisonment. Both charges
carry a fine of up to $250,000 and a possible lifetime term of supervised release. Trial is
presently scheduled for Dec. 28, 2020, in East St. Louis.
Anyone who believes they or someone they know may have been victimized by Mr. Robinson is strongly
encouraged to contact Detective Nick Schmidt with the O’Fallon Police Department by calling (618)
624-9542.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May
2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and
abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation
and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to
locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and
rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on
the tab “resources."
The case was investigated by the O’Fallon Police Department and the United States Secret Service
Central and Southern Illinois Financial and Cybercrimes Task Force, with assistance from
the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
