Vandalia Couple Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography Crimes

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Published on May 17 2023 4:01 pm
Last Updated on May 17 2023 4:01 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

A Fayette County couple pleaded guilty to possessing and disseminating child pornography.

39-year-old Andrew Wehrle and 38-year-old Amber Wehrle, who are Vandalia residents, were arrested in 2021. The office of Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul conducted an investigation into an alleged child pornography ring operating in Fayette County.

Andrew Wehrle pleaded guilty to two counts of dissemination of child pornography and one count of production of child pornography. He could face up to 26 years in prison. Amber Wehrle pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of child pornography and one count of indecent solicitation of an adult. She could face up to 13 years in prison. Sentencing will take place at a future date. The cases are next due in court on June 28.

In March of 2021, Raoul's investigators, with the assistance of the Vandalia Police Department, conducted a search of a Vandalia residence and arrested the Wehrles after discovering evidence of child pornography.

The search was conducted in connection with child pornography Raoul's office filed in 2021 against another Vandalia man, 47-year-old Ferrell Mason Kissiar. Kissiar is due to be tried on a series of child pornography and sex crimes on June 20.

A reminder to the public that online child sexual exploitation can be reported at www.cybertipline.com and child abuse can be reported at www.dcfsonlinereporting.dcfs.illinois.gov.