MORGAN PARK— The owner of a Beverly art studio has been charged with possession of child pornography, Ald. Matt O'Shea (19th) said on Friday.
Jim Sonntag, of the 2300 block of West 110th Place, was charged with two counts of possession of child pornography, according to court records.
The arrest was the result of a lengthy investigation by the Cook County State's Attorney's Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, O'Shea said.
Sonntag, who was arrested on Wednesday in Evergreen Park, lives across the street from Clissold Elementary School.
The Evergreen Park Police Department declined to comment.
Sonntag owned "Kunsthaus," an art studio in Beverly with his wife Kristen. The Morgan Park couple opened the art studio in April of 2014 at 10552 S. Western Ave. He also repaired sewing machines and worked at The Quilters Trunk, along with working for Bank of America.
O'Shea attended Sonntag's hearing Friday and said bond was set at $750,000, which would require Sonntag to post 10 percent to be released. O'Shea said he is staying in contact with the Chicago Police Department and the Cook County State's Attorney's Office, and plans to continue going to Sonntag's hearings.
The next court date was set for July 8 at the Bridgeview Courthouse, according to O'Shea.
"Moving forward, I will work closely with the law enforcement community to ensure all appropriate actions are taken," O'Shea said. "I will also continue to attend court dates and keep residents apprised of any pertinent developments. On behalf of our entire community, I would like to thank the hard working men and women involved in this case. Their efforts have made this community safer for our children."
Sonntag's bail was set by Judge Peter A. Felice, according to court records. Sonntag posted bail on Friday, O'Shea said.
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