MACOUPIN COUNTY — Attorney General Kwame Raoul charged Michael Upton, 34, of Palmyra with multiple felony counts related to child sexual abuse material and drug possession following a search of his residence on East Oak Street in Palmyra.

Get The Latest News!

Don't miss our top stories and need-to-know news everyday in your inbox.

Article continues after sponsor message

The charges, filed in Macoupin County Circuit Court, include two counts of dissemination of child pornography, each a Class X felony carrying a potential sentence of up to 30 years in prison.

Upton also faces 10 counts of possession of child pornography, each a Class 2 felony punishable by up to seven years, and one count of Class 3 possession of methamphetamine, which carries a maximum sentence of five years.

Upton is currently held at the Macoupin County Jail and is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 20, 2026.

The investigation involved Raoul’s office, the Palmyra Police Department, and the Macoupin County Sheriff’s Department. Authorities executed a search warrant at Upton’s home after gathering evidence of child sexual abuse material, leading to his arrest.

Prefer RiverBender on Google
Copyright 2026 Riverbender.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

 

More like this:

Alton Police Charge Bethalto Man With Vehicle Burglaries, Stolen Car Possession
3 days ago
Colton K. Cissell Charged After Deadly Troy House Explosions
May 30, 2026
Granite City Residents Charged In Fleeing Police, Stolen Vehicle Cases
Jun 11, 2026
Judge Denies Release for Colton Cissell in Troy Blast
Jun 2, 2026
Granite City Man Detained On Child Sexual Assault, CSAM Charges
May 22, 2026