Urbana Man Arrested on Child Exploitation Charges Following Multi-State Investigation

Urbana Man Arrested on Child Exploitation Charges Following Multi-State Investigation

URBANA, IL – June 11, 2025 — The Urbana Police Department (UPD) has announced the arrest of 38-year-old Carson Zajdel on multiple preliminary charges stemming from an ongoing investigation into child exploitation. The arrest follows a coordinated effort between the Urbana Police Department and the Hopkinsville Police Department in Kentucky, highlighting a growing emphasis on interagency collaboration in addressing crimes against children.

According to a statement released by UPD, Zajdel is facing initial charges including Indecent Solicitation of a Child, Sexual Exploitation of a Child, and Possession of Child Pornography. Authorities say these charges stem from disturbing evidence uncovered during a joint investigation that spanned multiple jurisdictions.

Law enforcement officials have not disclosed specific details about the timeline or circumstances that led to the arrest, citing the sensitive nature of the case and the ongoing review of digital evidence. However, police did confirm that additional charges may be filed as forensic investigators continue to analyze the contents of electronic devices seized during the course of the investigation.

“This arrest reflects the tireless work of investigators committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of our communities,” said Urbana Police Chief Jason Norton. “We are grateful for the collaboration with the Hopkinsville Police Department and will continue working closely with prosecuting attorneys to ensure justice is pursued to the fullest extent.”

UPD said Zajdel was taken into custody without incident and is currently being held in the Champaign County Correctional Center pending arraignment. Prosecutors have not yet disclosed whether Zajdel will be formally indicted in state or federal court, as some of the charges—particularly those involving digital exploitation—could fall under federal jurisdiction depending on the nature of the evidence.

The Hopkinsville Police Department, based in Kentucky, played a critical role in the early stages of the investigation. According to officials familiar with the case, the departments exchanged digital forensic data and coordinated on surveillance efforts as part of a broader operation aimed at identifying individuals involved in the online exploitation of minors.

While authorities have not confirmed whether any children were directly harmed, they emphasized that the charges involve communications and digital materials of a highly graphic and illegal nature. Victim advocacy services have been engaged to ensure that any potential victims are identified and supported as the investigation continues.

Community leaders in Urbana reacted with alarm and outrage following the announcement of the arrest. “It is sickening to hear of these charges,” said Marsha Whitmore, director of the Champaign County Child Advocacy Center. “But it is also reassuring to know that law enforcement is actively working to remove these threats from our communities and hold perpetrators accountable.”

As is standard procedure in such cases, police are urging anyone who may have had contact with Zajdel or who may possess relevant information to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously through UPD’s Crime Tip Line or by contacting the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).

Zajdel has not yet entered a plea, and no trial date has been set as of this writing. The case remains active and under investigation, with authorities indicating that more updates will be made public as the situation develops.