In a news release posted to Facebook, Toulon, Illinois, Police express their thanks to Moline Police for their help in a case involving child-pornography, threat of physical harm and other charges.
On Aug. 13, Toulon Police received a report of a possible violation of an order of protection. The investigation revealed the victim received a threatening phone call from an unrecognized number, the release says.
The victim and a witness identified the caller’s voice as Alex R. Nowlan, of Toulon.
Because of an immediate and credible threat to the victim’s life, police obtained a search warrant for Nowlan’s residence to locate electronic devices capable of generating calls from alternate numbers, according to the release. During the execution of the warrant, investigators recovered evidence, weapons, and narcotics.
The release says that, pursuant to the Illinois SAFE-T Act, a detention hearing was held, and Nowlan was released under electronic GPS monitoring.
An additional warrant was issued for seized devices. With technical assistance from Moline Police, digital evidence was extracted. A review off the data uncovered suspected child pornography saved on one of the devices. Further investigation confirmed the victims were juveniles. An arrest warrant was obtained for Nowlan.
About 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Nowlan was seen operating a vehicle in Toulon. After a brief pursuit, he was taken into custody after a brief resistance. He was transported to the Bureau County Jail pending a detention hearing.
On Monday, a hearing was held at the Marshall County Courthouse. A special prosecutor, State’s Attorney Patrick Murphy, successfully petitioned to revoke Nowlan’s pretrial release. Nowlan was remanded into custody.
- Nowlan is being held on:
- Harassment through electronic communications, a Class 4 Felony
- Intimidation/Threat of physical harm, a Class 3 Felony
- Violation of an order of protection, Class A Misdemeanor
- Unlawful possession of a controlled substance a Class 4 Felony – three counts
- Possession of ammunition without a FOID, a Class 3 Felony
- Unlawful possession of nitrous oxide, a Class A Misdemeanor. (Nitrous oxide can be used on patients to create a state of euphoria, which is why it is sometimes called “laughing gas.”)
- Violation of pretrial release, a Class A Misdemeanor
- Child pornography, a Class 3 Felony, 36 counts
- Fleeing or attempting to elude a peace office, a Class A Misdemeanor
- Obstructing a peace officer, a Class A Misdemeanor.
Police ask anyone with information about the case to contact Toulon Police at 309-286-0066 or email here.
“The Toulon Police Department extends its gratitude to the Stark County Sheriff’s Office and the Moline Police Department for their invaluable assistance throughout this investigation,” the release concludes.