EDWARDVILLE — A Carrollton man was charged with indecent solicitation of a child after a sting by a predator hunting group.
The 39-year-old suspect was charged Aug. 3 with traveling to meet a minor and unlawful possession of methamphetamine, both Class 3 felonies; and indecent solicitation of a child, grooming and solicitation to meet a child, all Class 4 felonies.
The Alton Police Department presented the case.
The sting had been set up by people associated with Online Predator Intervention, which took credit for it on social media posts and on its website, posting videos.
According to court documents, on July 31, the suspect allegedly discussed having sex using an app with what he believed was a minor; used electronic devices to “seduce, solicit, lure or entice” a child; traveled from Carrollton to the Alton Walgreens on Washington Avenue to meet the “victim”; and was found to be in possession of less than 5 grams of methamphetamine.
The suspect was ordered remanded to jail.
According to a petition to deny pre-trial release filed by the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office, the Alton Police Department met with the suspect after being informed that someone in a vehicle matching the suspect’s was at Walgreens to meet a person he believed was a 14-year-old to engage in sex.
Messages between the “decoy” and the suspect “explicitly” discuss sex acts, and the suspect brought sex toys, condoms, and lubricant. During an interview, he corroborated much of the information provided to police.
This individual has only been charged and remains innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. All charges may not be reported.
