Galena Police Officer Arrested Charged With Pornography Offenses

May 31st, 2025

GALENA, IL – The Galena Police Department issued a statement today, May 31, 2025, to maintain transparency regarding the arrest of Officer Eli Barthel. On Friday, May 30, 2025, Barthel was arrested for child pornography offenses following an investigation by the Illinois Attorney General’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigations. He is currently detained at Stephenson County Jail and has been placed on administrative leave pending termination.

The investigation was solely conducted by the Illinois Attorney General’s Office and the FBI. A detailed press release is anticipated from the Illinois Attorney General’s Office on Monday, June 2, 2025.