Deputies from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department arrested a 22-year-old Mt. Vernon man on Saturday for alleged criminal sexual assault and possession of child pornography.
An investigation into Michael McClanahan’s activity began after a December 5th complaint to the sheriff’s office that he was threatening an adult female.
As Sheriff’s Detectives investigated the complaint, they said they uncovered evidence that McClanahan had sexual contact with multiple underage females in Jefferson and Hamilton Counties. A search warrant for electronic devices was obtained and served on McClanahan. Evidence was allegedly obtained from the electronic examination of the collected device.
McClanahan was formerly charged in Jefferson County Court on Monday with two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse to a victim more than five years younger than himself and one count of child pornography. The State’s Attorney’s office is asking that McClanahan be held without bond pending further court action. A hearing is set for Tuesday. A public defender has been appointed to represent McClanahan.
The investigation is ongoing.
If anyone has any information pertinent to this case, please contact the Detective Division at (618)244-8004. Also, if you are a victim, or know someone who is a victim, they may contact the sheriff’s office as well.
