Seven people were arrested during a two-day operation targeting juvenile sex trafficking in west suburban Aurora.
The joint investigation between Aurora police and U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents took place March 26 and 27, according to a statement from Aurora police.
Investigators targeted ads on a website offering sexual services. When men called the phone numbers on the ads, it was made clear the services were being offered by underage girls, police said.
The men met the girls at an Aurora hotel, but once they arrived, they were taken into custody.
Anthony J. Caradine, 27, of Romeoville; and William Shyu, 30, of Lisle, are each charged with felony counts of involuntary sexual servitude of a minor, traveling to meet a minor, and grooming, police said.
Both are being held on $400,000 bonds at the Kane County Correctional Center in St. Charles. Caradine is next scheduled to appear in court April 3, and Shyu on April 16.
A 17-year-old homeless girl from Texas was rescued during the operation and turned over to DCFS, police said.
The operation also targeted online ads that promoted prostitution involving adults, police said.
Several people were charged with prostitution, including Abelardo L. Lopez, 42, of Aurora; Charletta L. King, 29, of Franklin Park; Linda N. Houston, 23, of Loves Park; and Jasmine B. Jenkins, 26, of Arlington, Texas.
Additionally, police impounded six vehicles and seized about $1,000.
“These arrests should serve as a wake-up call to anyone considering participating in crimes that victimize children,” Aurora Police Chief Greg Thomas said in the statement. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners at all levels to eliminate these disgusting crimes from the City of Aurora.”
Anthony J. Caradine | Aurora police
Linda N. Houston | Aurora police
Jasmine B. Jenkins | Aurora police
Charletta King | Aurora police
Abelardo Lopez | Aurora police
