DeKalb pastor facing child pornography charges chooses trial

SYCAMORE – Corey Butler, the 36-year-old pastor of Jesus is the Way Christian Center in DeKalb who is facing child pornography charges, said Tuesday that he will put his faith in the justice system and face trial.

Butler rejected DeKalb County prosecutors’ offer of a plea deal in the case. He has pleaded not guilty and is to have a trial date set at his next court appearance in July.

“We live in America, and everyone is innocent until proven guilty,” he said. “They should be allowed to prove their innocence. Let’s just trust that the American justice system will work.”

Butler has continued to preach to his congregation since his arrest on charges including possession of child pornography and dissemination of child pornography April 27, 2015. If convicted of the most serious charge, he could face up to 30 years in prison.

Police said in court records that officers with the Illinois Crimes Against Children Task Force learned child pornography was being distributed from a computer at Butler’s address in the 600 block of Kent Road in DeKalb between Feb. 28 and March 2, 2015.

In an interview with DeKalb police after his arrest, Butler admitted to possessing the material and letting others view and download it, according to court records, but he later denied ever possessing or distributing child pornography. He admitted to visiting an adult porn site and blamed internet pop-up ads for the child pornography being on his computer.

Butler’s bond originally was set at $101,500, which would have required him to post $10,150 to be released. Records show Butler was released April 30, 2015, however, after his bond was reduced to $10,000. He posted $1,000 and has been required to wear an electronic home monitoring device. He also is barred from having any contact with children or using a computer as a condition of his bond.

At the time of Butler’s arrest, he was mentoring students at DeKalb High School and the district’s middle schools.

He will be back in court July 26, at which point a trial date will be set.
Butler appeared Tuesday with his former lawyer, Chicago-based Tom Benno, who represented Butler until recently, when Butler hired Robert Motta of Aurora-based Motta & Motta  LLC.

Benno said he’s off the case, but agreed to appear with Butler on Tuesday because Motta was unavailable. Aside from a general statement, Butler said further questions should be directed to Motta. Members of Butler’s family and congregation were also in court to support him.

On May 2, Chief Judge Robbin Stuckert agreed to give Butler 30 days to consult with his new lawyer on whether to accept a deal or go to trial.
Prosecutors have declined to disclose details of the plea deal.