GENESEO – Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation Trafficking Enforcement Bureau arrested four individuals during a two-day human trafficking demand suppression operation in the Geneseo area of Henry County on June 11-12, according to a news release issued by the ISP.
The operation focused on identifying individuals seeking to engage in commercial sex acts. As a result of the operation, four men were arrested and charged.
Ryan J. Molln, 47, Walnut, was charged with two counts of indecent solicitation of a child (Class 2 Felony), two counts of traveling to meet a minor (Class 3 Felony), two counts of solicitation to meet a child (Class 4 Felony) and grooming (Class 4 Felony).
Juan C. Soto-Deanda, 31, East Moline, was charged with traveling to meet a minor (Class 3 Felony) and solicitation to meet a child (Class 4 Felony).
Marqueis L. Lewis Sr., 45, Davenport, Iowa, was charged with traveling to meet a minor (Class 3 Felony) and solicitation to meet a child (Class 4 Felony).
Adrian Amezola, 43, Sterling, was charged with traveling to meet a minor (Class 3 Felony), solicitation to meet a child (Class 4 Felony) and sexual exploitation of a child (Class A Misdemeanor)
Authorities say “the operation was part of a multifaceted approach by ISP aimed at stopping human trafficking in Illinois. ISP Special Agents, ISP SWAT, ISP Analysts, ISP Intelligence Support Unit, Blackhawk Area Task Force, and the Henry County Sheriff’s Office partnered for the operation. The Henry County State’s Attorney’s Office also provided support for the operation.”
According to the release, ISP will continue its multifaceted approach toward protecting those most vulnerable with its ongoing statewide human trafficking enforcement operations.
The signs of human trafficking can be subtle; to learn more, visit https://humantraffickinghotline.org/.
Police ask those who suspect human trafficking to contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text *233733. For more information visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. You can also email ISP.CrimeTips@illinois.gov.
