NIU student charged with 21 felonies for child sex abuse material allegedly found on devices in dorm room

DEKALB COUNTY (WGN) — A Northern Illinois University student is facing felony charges after authorities said they allegedly uncovered thousands of images of suspected child sex abuse material on electronic devices taken from his dorm room last month.

According to deputies in DeKalb County, 19-year-old Micahel Erickson, a current NIU student, has been charged with 21 felonies, including production of child pornography, dissemination of child pornography and possession of child pornography.

The investigation began in April when Batavia police received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). Further investigation then identified Erickson as a potential offender.

Officers later obtained a search warrant for Erickson’s dorm room and all of his electronics. Authorities executed the warrant in early May, and during the search, they collected several electronic devices.

During a forensic investigation of the devices, authorities determined that alleged criminal offenses had occurred in DeKalb County, and the case was turned over to deputies.

During a review of Erickson’s devices, authorities also allegedly uncovered thousands of images of suspected child abuse material.

An arrest warrant for Erickson was obtained on Monday and he was taken into custody that afternoon.

Erickson is currently being held at the DeKalb County jail pending a detention hearing.