Gages Lake man faces child porn, exploitation charges

A 47-year-old Gages Lake man has been charged with child pornography and child exploitation after attempting to have an online relationship with a teenage boy, Lake County sheriff officials said Friday.

James E. Toman, of the 18000 block of W. Gages Lake Road, was arrested after authorities showed up at his home with a search warrant Thursday, Lake County Sheriff's Lt. Christopher Thompson said.

Toman was charged with a single count of child pornography, two counts of indecent solicitation of a child, and one count of sexual exploitation of a child, Thompson said.

Toman is held in Lake County jail on $750,000 bond after appearing in bond court Friday morning, Thompson added. He is due back in court Feb. 14.

The solicitation and exploitation charges resulted from the online relationship Toman was having with a 14-year-old boy, Thompson said. However, he added, sheriff's detectives are convinced no sexual contact took place between Toman and the boy.

Thompson said the investigation into Toman began late last year after the victim's parents told investigators they discovered their son was having a sexual Internet chat with an unknown adult male.

Investigators were able to identify Toman by obtaining subpoenas for the electronic records, Thompson said. After reviewing the case with the Lake County State's Attorney's Office, a search warrant was obtained.

Officers took Toman into custody Thursday, Thompson said. and he confirmed there was child pornography on his computer.

A search of Toman's computer revealed images and video of Toman involved in explicit sexual activity with a person believed to under the age of consent, Thompson said. Investigators are working with Toman to identify the potential victim, he said. Investigators are also seeking to identify any other potential victims or other offenders in this case, Thompson said.

Anyone with information should contact Det. David Tomasello at the Lake County Sheriff's Office at (847) 377-4250.