EUREKA, Ill. (WMBD) — A Southern Illinois man has been arrested for allegedly trying to travel to meet a child and grooming, according to the Woodford County Sheriff’s Office.
Matthew A. Cornes, 32, of Lawrenceville, was arrested on the charges as well as indecent solicitation of a child, said Chief Deputy Dennis Tipsword.
If convicted, he could face up to 5 years in prison.
Tipsword said the arrest came after Cornes allegedly tried to solicit a person whom he thought was a young girl. Rather, it was a deputy. The chats went on for a few days and then they agreed to meet.
Members of the office’s Pro Active unit arrested Cornes at a Germantown Hills parking lot at 8 p.m., Sept. 15 and taken to the county jail where he remains as of Tuesday afternoon.
“This investigation was conducted by members of our ‘predator team’ within our Pro Active unit. They focus on internet crimes against children,” Tipsword said.
The Pro Active unit is a group of deputies that targets specific issues within the county. Within that unit, there were three people who focus on online solicitation of minors.
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