** NEWS RELEASE **

Member of IL Attorney General’s Office Honored At County Board Meeting

Kendall County, IL (April 22, 2022, 12:00 PM)

The Kendall County Sheriff’s Office and the Kendall County Board honored Steve Strahm with a Citizen Commendation award at the County Board meeting on Tuesday, April 19, 2022. 

Steve was honored for his role in a Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault investigation which began after a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children was received in October 2020.  The tip referenced a user that was possibly sexually abusing a child and producing child pornography. To assist in processing these items, the Sheriff’s Office solicited the assistance of the Illinois Attorney General’s Office High Tech Crime Bureau, and specifically Senior Digital Forensic Examiner Steve Strahm. 

Steve forensically analyzed numerous electronic devices and continued work for several months on a cellular phone that was of particular interest.  Through his diligence and expertise, he was able to defeat significant security features and located hundreds of items of evidence.

As a result of Steve’s dedication to his work, a child was rescued from their abuse and the offender was arrested. On March 29th, 2022, the offender pled guilty to Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault, resulting in a 60-year prison sentence.

Sheriff Dwight Baird stated, “This case highlights the importance of building and maintaining strong relationships with state, local, and federal agencies which enable us to better serve our community.  Steve’s hard work and expertise reinforce that point, and we are honored to recognize his efforts with the Civilian Commendation Award.”

###

Contact:          Deputy Dan Briars #95

Phone:             (630) 465-2067

Email:             dbriars@co.kendall.il.us