Illinois State Police arrested a Chicago man Thursday in a human trafficking sting near Galesburg.
The operation focused on identifying people seeking to engage in commercial sex acts.
41-year-old John O’Leary of Chicago was arrested on multiple felony charges, including promoting commercial sexual exploitation of a child, indecent solicitation of a child, traveling to meet a minor, grooming, and possession of meth.
Multiple agencies assisted, including the Illinois Trafficking Enforcement Group, Quad City Metropolitan Enforcement Group, Zone 2 Major Crimes Unit, Illinois State Police Investigative Support Unit, Illinois State Police SWAT, and the Galesburg Police Department.
The Knox County State’s Attorney’s Office also provided support.
Human trafficking involves using force, fraud or coercion to compel a person into commercial sex, labor or services against their will, police said. Illinois State Police said they continue to conduct human trafficking enforcement operations across the state.
Anyone with information about suspected human trafficking can contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text *233733. Tips may also be submitted by emailing ISP.CrimeTips@illinois.gov.