Springfield school bus driver charged with possession of child pornography

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) – A Springfield school bus driver was charged last week with possession of child pornography.

Attorney General Kwame Raoul has charged Anthony Marconi, 58, of Springfield, with eight counts of possession of child pornography. Each charge is a Class 3 felony, punishable by up to five years in prison if convicted.

An Illinois man awarded Purple Heart, Bronze Star with Valor

Attorney General investigators, along with Springfield police officers, searched Marconi’s home on East Enos Avenue on Wednesday and found evidence of child sexual abuse.

“Survivors of sexual assault and exploitation may never fully heal from the trauma they have experienced, making it imperative that the perpetrators of these crimes are stopped,” Raoul said. “My office’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force will continue to work with local law enforcement agencies to identify and bring to justice those who exploit minors.”

Marconi works as a school bus driver for First Student Inc. A spokesperson for First Student confirmed he has been placed on administrative leave, and the company is working with police on the investigation.

“At First Student, our first priority is the safety of our students, employees and the communities we serve,” said Chris Coyle, General Manager of First Student Area.

Rt. 45 reopens after school bus crash in Champaign Co.

Marconi is in custody at the Sangamon County Jail and his next court date is in November. Sangamon County State’s Attorney John Milhiser’s office is assisting in the prosecution of the case.

“We will continue to work with law enforcement partners to keep our community safe,” Milhiser said.

Springfield residents with additional information about Marconi are asked to call Special Investigator Tom Ritter at 217-685-7905.

You can report any tips about sexual exploitation of children to the CyberTipline from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Childrenand child abuse can be reported to the Department of Children and Family Services on their website. A list of local child advocacy centers can be found on the website Children’s Advocacy Centers of Illinois website.

For the latest news, weather, sports and streaming video, visit WCIA.com.