A Former Galena Police officer charged with allegedly possessing child sexual abuse material has pled not guilty and a trial date has been set.
23-year old Eli Barthel of Freeport recently entered the plea in Stevenson County Circuit Court and was given a trial date of July 28th.
Barthel was arrested earlier this month and charged by the Illinois Attorney General’s office with three counts of child sexual assault possession which could carry up to a total of 19-years in prison if convicted on all charges. The FBI assisted in the investigation.
Barthel’s employment with the Galena Police Department was immediately terminated following his arrest.