Illinois State Police arrest six in Troy area on charges related to human trafficking
Illinois State Police arrested six men during a two-day operation to suppress demand for human trafficking in the Troy area.
According to an ISP news release on Saturday, the operation focused on 'identifying people seeking to engage in sex acts with minors.' It was carried out by the agency's Division of Criminal Investigation Trafficking Enforcement Bureau.
The following six men were arrested and charged:
Brian P. Tilson, 43, a white male, of Highland
Justin A. Kuehnel,41, a white male, of Glen Carbon
Kyle T. Altevogt, 30, a white male, of Panama (city in Illinois)
Gregory L Robinson, 34, a black male, of Fairview Heights
James A. Walker, 40, a white male, of Effingham
Ulises Mendieta-Galindo, 36, a Hispanic male, of O'Fallon
Charges included indecent solicitation of a child (Class 3 felony), traveling to meet a minor (a Class 3 felony), solicitation to meet a child (Class 4 felony), grooming (Class 4 felony) and indecent solicitation of a child (Class 4 felony).
The news release didn't explain when, where or under what circumstances the men were arrested, whether they knew each or whether they were part of an organized effort.
'(The Illinois State Police) operation was part of a multifaceted approach by ISP aimed at stopping human trafficking in Illinois,' it stated.
The operation was a partnership of ISP special agents and analysts, officers from Troop 8, Zone 6, ISP SWAT, Intelligence Support Unit, Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southwestern Illinois and Troy Police Department. The Madison County state's attorney's office also provided support.
In Illinois, human trafficking is defined as 'the use of force, fraud, or coercion to compel a person into commercial sex acts, labor, or services against their will,' according to the news release.
'ISP continues its multifaceted approach toward protecting those most vulnerable with its ongoing statewide human trafficking enforcement operations. The signs of human trafficking can be subtle.'
Those who suspect human trafficking are encouraged to contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text *233733. For more information visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. People can also email ISP.CrimeTips@illinois.gov.
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