A serious cybercrime investigation in Wisconsin has led to the arrest of a 66-year-old man from Belleville. The arrest came after law enforcement agencies carried out a search in the Town of Exeter on Friday morning and found over 70 suspected illegal images.
Search Warrant Executed in Green County
Around 8 a.m. on Friday, officers from multiple agencies, including the Green County Sheriff’s Office, Janesville Police Department, New Glarus Police Department, and Wisconsin’s Department of Justice, arrived at a residence in rural Belleville to carry out a search warrant. The operation was part of an ongoing investigation under the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force.
The investigation was triggered by a cyber-tip received through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. This tip led officers to suspect that child sexual abuse material was being accessed or stored at the residence.
Over 70 Suspected Illegal Images Found
During the search, officials reported that they recovered more than 70 additional suspected child sexual abuse images. As a result, David C. Blandino, a 66-year-old resident of rural Belleville, was arrested on the spot.
He was taken to the Green County Jail, where he remains in custody as of Friday evening. Prosecutors have asked for charges of possession of child pornography, which is a Class D felony in Wisconsin.
Ongoing Investigation by State and Local Agencies
The case is being handled by the Detective Division of the Green County Sheriff’s Office, with key support from the Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Digital Forensics Unit. Officials have said that the digital evidence will be further examined to determine whether additional charges are needed.
Authorities also emphasized that this investigation is ongoing and that Blandino is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Community Reaction and Legal Process Ahead
Cases involving Internet crimes against children are treated very seriously by Wisconsin law enforcement. This arrest is a reminder of the efforts being made to track, investigate, and prosecute such crimes using tips, digital forensics, and coordinated teamwork across agencies.
The legal process now moves forward, where a formal hearing and review of the charges will take place. If convicted, a Class D felony can carry a prison sentence and long-term consequences, including being listed on the sex offender registry.
