In a determined push against the scourge of human trafficking, the Illinois State Police (ISP) has taken down a group of men suspected of engaging in illicit activities centered around commercial sex acts. According to an official release from the ISP, the two-day operation, which launched on February 28 in the Danville area, resulted in five arrests.
The accused, ranging in age from 37 to 46, now face charges that include Indecent Solicitation/Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse of a Child, which is a Class 3 Felony, and Traveling to Meet a Child, alongside Solicitation to Meet a Child, listed as a Class 4 Felony. Bradley J. Wagoner, from Westville, IL, also faces charges for Possession of Methamphetamine - Less Than 5 Grams. The operation, spearheaded by the ISP's Trafficking Enforcement Bureau, marks another stride in the state's ongoing efforts to dismantle human trafficking networks.
The individuals apprehended during the sting are namely Salem K. Khan of Cheektowaga, NY; Brett A. Wright and Andrew M. Cravens, both from Danville, IL; Eric H. Schmidt of Lisle, IL; as well as the aforementioned Bradley J. Wagoner. Their collective arrests contribute to the broader initiatives by the ISP, which works closely with multiple agencies, such as the Vermillion County Metropolitan Enforcement Group (MEG), the East Central Illinois Task Force, Task Force 6 personnel, and Homeland Security Investigations to root out such criminal enterprises.
The collaboration extends to the Vermillion County State’s Attorney’s Office, which has provided crucial support in this recent operation. Fighting human trafficking remains a priority for the state, and these efforts underscore the ISP's commitment to this grave issue. For those suspecting instances of such trafficking, there are avenues for reporting these crimes, including the National Human Trafficking Hotline which can be reached at 1-888-373-7888 or by texting *233733, as well as contacting ISP directly through the email provided in their press statement – [email protected].
