Swansea Police Arrest 70-Year-Old in Child Porn Case

SWANSEA - Swansea Police officers arrested a 70-year-old registered sex offender after investigating reports that pornographic material was distributed to juveniles near Kinsella Avenue and Caseyville Avenue, police said. Billie D. Tadlock of Swansea was taken into custody on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, and later charged following a review by the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Swansea Police said officers responded on April 10, 2026, to the area of Kinsella Avenue and Caseyville Avenue after receiving the reports. Swansea Police canvassed the area, collected witness statements, and reviewed video surveillance, according to the department.

During the investigation, officers identified a suspect vehicle and worked to establish its movements before and during the reported incidents, police said. Detectives later identified Tadlock as the suspect after reviewing “multiple forms of evidence,” the department said.

The investigation was submitted to the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office for review, and Billie D. Tadlock, 70, of Swansea, was formally charged with the following offenses:

• Obstructing Justice (Class 4 Felony)

• Unlawful Presence of a Child Sex Offender in a Public Park (Class A Misdemeanor)

• Distribution of Harmful Material (Class A Misdemeanor)

Police said the continued investigation included the recovery and forensic examination of electronic devices, which “revealed evidence consistent with the material distributed.”

Tadlock was transported to the St. Clair County Jail after questioning, police said.

“The Swansea Police Department takes incidents involving the safety and well-being of children extremely seriously,” the department said. “We encourage residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately.”

Anyone with additional information was asked to contact the Swansea Police Department at (618) 233-8114 and speak with Detective Sgt. Jason Frank.

“This case highlights the importance of modern digital forensic technology and the advanced training Swansea investigators use to recover and analyze critical digital evidence,” the department said.

As required by the Illinois Supreme Court, police noted that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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