During a press conference this afternoon, Kane County State’s Attorney Jamie Mosser and St. Charles Chief of Police James Keegan announced that five individuals have been charged with multiple offenses related to human trafficking and sexual trafficking.
Each of the suspects were charged with the following:
- Aggravated involuntary servitude, Class X felony
- Trafficking in persons for labor, Class 1 felony
- Involuntary servitude, Class 1 felony
- Involuntary servitude, Class 4 felony
One suspect was also charged with promoting prostitution for profit, Class 4 felony.
“This investigation spanned several months and is the culmination of excellent work done by our investigators.” Chief Keegan said. “Everyone worked tirelessly on this case and sought justice for those without a voice. Your efforts and dedication are not in vain.”
According to prosecutors, between February 17, 2023, and July 19, 2023, the five defendants – two from Elgin, one from Aurora and two from Chicago, ranging in age from 26-57 – engaged in a conspiracy to subject seven victims to commercial sexual activity by causing or threatening physical harm to at least one of the victims.
The defendants allegedly procured locations for the commercial sexual activity, transported the victims to the locations to engage in the sexual activity and advertised that the victims were available for commercial sexual activity. The defendants physically restrained the victims by confining them to a residence, intimidated the victims with threats if they did not engage in the sexual activity, and maintained financial control over the victims.
Seven victims were taken into protective custody Wednesday morning. One of those victims was treated at a local hospital.
