Twin Lakes, Wis. – A Twin Lakes man is facing multiple felony charges after authorities say he was found in possession of illicit material involving minors.

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Thomas J. Pattock, 46, was charged today with seven counts of Possession of Child Pornography following an investigation by local and state law enforcement agencies. Under Wisconsin law, each count carries a minimum sentence of three years and a maximum of 25 years in prison. However, a legal provision allows judges to order the minimum sentences to run concurrently, which could impact his overall prison time if convicted.

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Investigation and Arrest

According to a criminal complaint filed in Kenosha County Circuit Court, the Twin Lakes Police Department began investigating Pattock after receiving a CyberTipline report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) in December 2024. The tip indicated that a social media user had shared explicit material involving minors on Instagram.

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Detectives linked the account to Pattock through associated personal information, including an email address, phone number, and date of birth. Further investigation revealed online messages in which the suspect allegedly discussed exchanging illicit material with another individual.

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Authorities executed a search warrant at Pattock’s residence on February 14, 2025, where he was taken into custody. During questioning, Pattock reportedly admitted to possessing and sharing illegal material. Investigators conducted a forensic examination of his phone, which allegedly contained multiple images and videos classified as child exploitation material.

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Statement from Law Enforcement

Following the arrest, Twin Lakes Police Chief Katie Hall issued a statement reaffirming the department’s commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals.

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“The Twin Lakes Police Department remains fully committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community. These crimes have lasting effects on victims, families, and society. We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to bring offenders to justice.”

Chief Hall added that the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office, Wisconsin Division of Criminal Investigation’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and K9 Iris of the Kenosha Police Department assisted in executing the search warrant.

Court Proceedings

During Pattock’s initial court appearance, Assistant District Attorney Carlie O’Donnell requested a $300,000 cash bail, citing the severity of the charges and potential prison exposure. Kenosha County Circuit Court Commissioner William Michel II granted the request, setting bail at $250,000.

Authorities stated that additional charges may be forthcoming as they continue analyzing the seized evidence.

Community Assistance and Reporting

The Twin Lakes Police Department encourages anyone with information related to this case, or similar incidents, to contact law enforcement at (262) 877-9056.

Authorities remind the public that individuals concerned about online exploitation of minors can report suspected activity through the CyberTipline at www.missingkids.org or by contacting local law enforcement agencies.

Pattock is scheduled to appear in court later this month for a preliminary hearing.