Last week, news outlets reported that six men were arrested by the Illinois State Police (ISP) for allegedly attempting to engage in commercial sex acts with underage individuals in McLean County. According to Bloomington’s 25 News, only one of the six remains behind bars until their trials.
Each of the men arrested face felony counts including traveling to meet a minor, indecent solicitation, solicitation to meet a child, and grooming. Yet five of the six offenders were set free until the end of January.
“This is yet again another example of what failed criminal justice policy looks like,” stated Rep. Dennis Tipsword (R-Metamora). “The lack of accountability placed on offenders is staggering. I will continue to fight this wrong that was perpetrated on our neighborhoods with the passage of this dreadful law (SAFE-T Act). My life's passion has been my career in law enforcement and protecting families in Woodford County, which will not stop in my work as a state legislator where I will continue this fight for all Illinoisans!”
According to an ISP news release, the state police conducted a sting in McLean County as part of a multifaceted effort to address human trafficking. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Bloomington Police Department, and the McLean County State’s Attorney’s Office were among the agencies cooperating in the sting that was last week.
The operation sought to identify individuals participating in human trafficking to compel victims into commercial sex acts, labor, or services against their will.
Human trafficking is defined by the ISP as using force, fraud, or coercion to compel a person into commercial sex acts, labor, or services against their will.
If you suspect human trafficking, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text *233733. For more information visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. You can also email ISP.CrimeTips@illinois.gov.