Joliet couple jailed in Will County on child porn charges

A Joliet couple was arrested following a investigation of the two sharing and uploading multiple images and videos of child pornography, police said.

Shortly before 8 a.m. Tuesday, Justin Russell, 33, and Lauren Russell, 27, were booked into the Will County jail. Bond was set at $5 million for each of the Russells.

Justin Russell and Lauren Russell both live in the same residence on Kipling Court, records show.

The investigation began Dec. 16 when sheriff’s detectives received a tip from the Illinois Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, according to a statement from the Will County Sheriff’s Office.

“The tip was transferred to the sheriff’s office once it was discovered that the potential suspects lived in Will County jurisdiction,” police said.

Once sheriff’s detectives received the information, they began a thorough investigation of the Russells “sharing and uploading multiple images and videos of child pornography,” police said.

Detectives obtained a search warrant for the Russells’ residence on Jan. 11.

The next day, the search warrant was executed at the couple’s home.

“Electronic devices and additional evidence was seized for forensic examination,” police said.

The Russells were at the residence at the time and both “refused to speak with detectives and exercised their rights to an attorney,” police said.

Following a forensic analysis and processing of the evidence obtained, detectives next secured a warrant for the Russells’ on Friday.

“This case remains open as further evidence is being examined and processed,” police said.

The couple has a court date scheduled for Wednesday. Their charges were not publicly viewable as of Tuesday morning.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.