9 hours ago
Effingham man accused of human trafficking after pastor, others help victim escape
EFFINGHAM, Ill. (WCIA) — Effingham Police are highlighting the 'courage and vigilance' of community members, particularly a pastor, in rescuing a girl from years of suspected human trafficking and sexual abuse. The man accused of these crimes is under arrest.
Officials said in a news release that Juan Alberto Cruz Ceba, 41, was arrested on Monday during a 'coordinated detail' in the area of 4th Street and Washington Avenue. He is facing multiple charges that include involuntary sexual servitude of a minor, human trafficking and criminal sexual assault.
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The investigation started on June 8, when officials said the Effingham Police Department took a report from a female juvenile. She revealed that she was a victim of domestic battery, sexual assaults and involuntary confinement.
'A trusted third party who is the pastor of a local church brought the juvenile to the police department to make the report,' officials said. 'The pastor had previously attended an informational meeting for community leaders on how to be an advocate for victims, which was led by Effingham Police officers.'
After the initial report, the victim received immediate medical attention and was given protective assistance from child-victim crisis professionals.
Officials said the investigation revealed that the girl was the victim of ongoing sexual exploitation and abuse by Cruz Ceba that started years earlier in a different location. At this time, police believe this is an isolated incident, with no other suspects and no other victims discovered.
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Cruz Ceba was arrested without incident on Monday and was booked into the Effingham County Jail on the following charges:
Involuntary Sexual Servitude of a Minor, a Class X Felony
Trafficking in Persons – Involuntary Sexual Servitude of a Minor, a Class 1 Felony
Criminal Sexual Assault, a Class 1 Felony
Aggravated Domestic Battery, a Class 2 Felony
Interfering with the Reporting of Domestic Battery, a Class A Misdemeanor
Cruz Ceba will appear in court for the first time on Wednesday to determine whether he will remain in custody under the Pretrial Fairness Act.
'The successful rescue of this young victim is a direct result of the courage and vigilance of community members who spoke up, and the dedication of our officers who acted swiftly,' said Effingham Police Chief Jason McFarland. 'This collaboration between multiple concerned residents and our dedicated officers made all the difference in bringing this young victim to safety. This case reminds us all that when our community and law enforcement work together, we can bring hope and healing to even the darkest of situations.'
The investigation into this case is ongoing.
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