Former police officer appealing prison sentence for child pornography

FREEPORT, Ill. – A former Galena police officer convicted for possessing child pornography is appealing his prison sentence following a plea deal.

On Sep. 18, Eli Barthel, 23, of Freeport, agreed to plead Guilty to one count of Possession of Child Pornography with a Victim Under the Age of 13, a Class 2 felony, court records show.

Based on the original criminal complaint, from around March thru May, Barthel is guilty of possessing computer files with images of a child, under the age of 13, engaged in ‘an act of sexual penetration or sexual conduct with another person.’

Court docs show prosecutors presented Telegram chats containing Child Sexual Abuse Material as evidence.

On Oct. 1, Barthel was sentenced to three years and six months in prison with credit for 125 days served, court records show.

After sentencing, the defense filed a Motion to Reconsider, followed by a Motion to Reduce Sentence, but this was denied at a hearing on Oct. 17, court records show.

According to Illinois Legal Aid, you may be able to file a Motion to Reconsider if you disagree with an order of the court.

On Oct. 20, the defense appealed the judge’s decision with the Illinois Appellate Court.

According to the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board, Barthel was hired by the Galena Police Department on Dec. 30 and terminated June 2. He had no prior experience in law enforcement.