CARBONDALE, IL. – Six men were apprehended earlier this week in a human trafficking operation led by Illinois State Police in southern Illinois.
The operation, which took place from May 22-23, aimed to combat commercial sex acts in Carbondale and nearby areas. Authorities focused their efforts on identifying and arresting individuals involved in the solicitation of minors.
The following individuals were taken into custody during the operation: Marlin Kellum, 28, of Murphysboro; Charles Kemp, 46, of West Frankfort; Kyler McGee, 23, of Anna; Justin Phoenix, 29, of Shiloh; Scott Strudwick, 35, of Murphysboro; and Robert Wilson, 32, of Carbondale. Each faces charges of indecent solicitation of a child, traveling to meet a child, and solicitation to meet a child.
This initiative was part of a broader strategy by Illinois State Police to tackle human trafficking through a collaborative effort. Several agencies, including the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group, Southern Illinois Drug Task Force, Centralia Police Department, and Salem Police Department, contributed to the operation.
Authorities urge anyone who suspects human trafficking to contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or email ISP.CrimeTips@illinois.gov for further assistance and resources.