PEORIA, Ill. – Two men from East Peoria and Southern Illinois are facing charges for allegedly grooming and soliciting children, according to a Peoria County grand jury indictment.
In the first case, 24-year-old Cameron L. McNutt has been charged with grooming and indecent solicitation of a child. These felonies carry a maximum sentence of five years in prison. McNutt was caught attempting to meet up with a young girl in Chillicothe on February 24. However, instead of meeting the intended victim, he was confronted by police officers.
Gary Sherwin, from Roodhouse, is the second man indicted in the case. According to authorities, Sherwin had been communicating with two minors and had made arrangements to meet them in early March. He now faces a solicitation charge. It is worth noting that Roodhouse is a small village in southwestern Illinois, about two hours south of Chillicothe.
Both men have been released from jail after their arrests. McNutt is scheduled to appear in court on March 28 for arraignment, while Sherwin’s arraignment is set for May 2.
Child grooming and solicitation are serious crimes that can have devastating effects on young victims. These cases highlight the importance of proactive law enforcement efforts to protect children from potential predators. The fact that both suspects were apprehended before any harm could be done is a testament to the vigilance and effectiveness of law enforcement.
Maintaining the safety and well-being of children is a responsibility that falls not only on law enforcement but also on society as a whole. It is crucial that parents, educators, and community members remain vigilant and proactive in identifying, reporting, and preventing such crimes. By working together, we can create safer environments for our children and protect them from harm.