Olney man sentenced to 40 years for producing child pornography

BENTON, Ill. - A district court judge sentenced an Olney man to 40 years in federal prison after he admitted to producing child pornography.

George T. Grove, 49, pleaded guilty to two counts of production of child pornography for creating child sexual abuse material of a 13-year-old victim.

"Sex crimes are vile offenses. There is no amount of prison time sufficient for those who violate children," said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft.

According to court documents and information discussed at hearings, Grove admitted to creating two videos of child sexual abuse material with a cell phone of a 13-year-old victim in July 2024. During the investigation, officers discovered the defendant was exchanging alcohol, money and drugs with minors for nude photos and sex.

The Richland County Sheriff's Office, the Olney Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations contributed to the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Sanders prosecuted the case.