BENTON – Authorities said they uncovered a cache of firearms and explosives while arresting a southern Illinois man suspected of soliciting a child for sex.

The (Carbondale) Southern Illinoisan reported that Norman Risley of Sesser was charged Thursday in Franklin County with unlawful possession of explosives, unlawful use of weapons, indecent solicitation of a child and sexual exploitation of a child.

Sesser Police Chief Rob Barrett said authorities who arrested Risley on Dec. 21 found explosive materials and devices including blasting caps, as well as illegal knives and several semi-automatic weapons and ammunition.