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EFFINGHAM, Ill. (WCIA) — A 40-year-old Effingham man was among six men arrested for child sex crimes in an anti-human trafficking operation led by Illinois State Police in Troy.
The State Police Division of Criminal Investigation Trafficking Enforcement Bureau arrested six men during a two-day anti-human trafficking demand suppression operation in the Troy area of Madison County. The operation, taking place from April 23-24, focused on identifying individuals seeking to engage in sex acts with minors.
James A. Walker, 40 of Effingham, was arrested during the operation. The following are the five other Illinois men who were taken into custody by State Police:
- Brian P. Tilson, 43 of Highland
- Justin A. Kuehnel, 41 of Glen Carbon
- Kyle T. Altevogt, 30 of Panama
- Gregory L. Robinson, 34 of Fairview Heights
- Ulises Mendieta-Galindo, 36 of O’Fallon
Additionally, all of the men arrested were charged with the following:
- Indecent solicitation of a child (Class 3 Felony)
- Traveling to meet a minor (Class 3 Felony)
- Solicitation to meet a child (Class 4 Felony)
- Grooming (Class 4 Felony)
- Indecent solicitation of a child (Class 4 Felony)
This operation was part of a multifaceted approach by State Police aimed at stopping human trafficking in Illinois. State Police special agents, officers from Troop 8, Zone 6, ISP SWAT, ISP Analysts, MEGSI, Intelligence Support Unit and Troy Police Department partnered for this operation. The Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office also provided support in the operation.
Anyone who suspects that human trafficking is occurring is urged to contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text *233733. For additional information visit humantraffickinghotline.org or email ISP.CrimeTips@illinois.gov.