A 25-year-old Ina woman has been sentenced to 25 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections after she pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography and aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a victim under 18.
Julie Bulthuis was arrested in July of last year on a complaint filed with the Mt. Vernon Police Department. The sheriff’s department took over the investigation when it was determined the allegations originated in Ina.
Search warrants were obtained and executed for the Ina home where evidence was obtained and submitted for forensic analysis. The investigation revealed evidence of criminal activity, which also involved a victim who was a juvenile family member.
Once completed, the investigation findings were forwarded to the States Attorney’s Office for formal charges and the arrest warrants were issued.
