(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The issue of child pornography and child exploitation grows more problematic each year.
"There were so many cyber tips that were coming into Kane County and we had a lack of resources to investigate every single one of them," said Kane County State's Attorney Jamie Mosser.
That's why Kane County board members unanimously approved additional funding to create a dedicated Child Exploitation Unit.
Through a collaboration with the sheriff's office, prosecutors hope to combat the proliferation of child abuse, child pornography and child exploitation.
The new division includes a team of dedicated investigators, evidence technicians and forensic analysts.
"We also have four prosecutors that are going to be specifically trained in these types of investigations to make sure that once the information comes to us, we're able to prosecute and hold them accountable," added Mosser.
The Child Exploitation Unit will also have access to the St. Charles Police Department's cyber lab.
Mosser explained the facility allows them to research and investigate child abuse crimes in-house rather than sending something out for analysis.
"Since August of last year, this division has investigated 187 cyber tips, created 55 criminal investigations," she said. "We have arrested nine adult offenders and charged them with felony offenses and we've identified 40 minor victims as a result of the work being done here in Kane County."
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