Staff Report

ROCKFORD — A man charged with multiple counts of child pornography is now in custody after turning himself in to police.

Phillip Levantino, 39, of Rockford, was developed as a suspect after an investigation by the Rockford Police Department’s Sensitive Crimes Unit that began in January. That’s when police say they received a complaint that a child younger than 18 was exchanging sexually explicit messages through social media with an adult friend of the family.

Detectives conducted a follow-up investigation and a warrant was issued for Levantino’s arrest. He turned himself in to police Sunday, May 12.

Levantino is charged with 14 counts of child pornography/soliciting a child younger than 13. His bond has been set at $300,000, and he’s due in court June 13.