A Lake Forest resident who once owned the Winnetka house featured in the film Home Alone faces felony charges alleging possession of child sexual abuse material, police said.
John M. Abendshien, 79, of the 100 block of Morris Lane in Lake Forest, was charged with seven felony counts of possession of child sexual abuse material following his April 16 arrest at his home after Lake Forest Police executed a search warrant in coordination with the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office, according to a police statement.
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Police said the warrant followed multiple cyber tips alleging that an online account connected to Abendshien was used to possess, manufacture, and distribute child sexual abuse material.
“These cases are deeply concerning, and we are committed to aggressively investigating and prosecuting those involved,” Lake Forest Police Chief John Burke said in a statement. “We will continue working closely with our law enforcement partners to protect children and ensure community safety.”
Abendshien appeared for a detention hearing on April 17 in Lake County court, where prosecutors sought to have him held in custody. Judge James Simonian denied that request. He was released with several conditions, including that he not leave the state, consume alcohol or drugs, or possess electronic devices with internet access.
His next court date is scheduled for May 28, according to court records. His attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Abendshien is a retired health care executive, according to his LinkedIn page. Public records show he owned the house on the 600 block of Lincoln Avenue in Winnetka from 1988 to 2012. The home served as the primary filming location for Home Alone, which premiered in November 1990. He later participated in a documentary about the making of the film and last year released a book detailing his experiences during the production.
If convicted, he faces up to 12 years in prison, according to the Lake County State’s Attorney’s office.
Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.