Galena Police Officer Arrested on Child Pornography Charges
May 31, 2025
GALENA, IL – In a statement released today, May 31, 2025, the Galena Police Department has confirmed the arrest of Officer Eli Barthel. Barthel was taken into custody on Friday, May 30, 2025, for charges related to child pornography, following an investigation led by the Illinois Attorney General’s Office in collaboration with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He is currently being held at Stephenson County Jail and has been placed on administrative leave pending the termination process.
The investigation was performed exclusively by the Illinois Attorney General’s Office along with the FBI. A comprehensive press release is expected to be issued by the Illinois Attorney General’s Office on Monday, June 2, 2025.
