Human trafficking arrest in Galesburg

The Illinois State Police (ISP) Illinois Trafficking Enforcement Group (ITEG) arrested one person during a Human Trafficking Demand Suppression Operation near Galesburg in Knox County on December 18, 2025. The operation focused on identifying individuals seeking to engage in commercial sex acts.

As a result of the operation, ISP arrested 41-year-old John O’Leary of Chicago, IL for Promoting Commercial Sexual Exploitation of a Child (Class 1 Felony), Indecent Solicitation of a Child (Class 3 Felony), Traveling to Meet a Minor (Class 3 Felony), Possession of Methamphetamine less than 5 grams (Class 3 Felony), and Grooming (Class 4 Felony).

This operation was part of a multifaceted approach by ISP aimed at stopping human trafficking in Illinois. The Illinois Trafficking Enforcement Group, Quad City Metropolitan Enforcement Group, Zone 2 Major Crimes Unit, ISP Investigative Support Unit, ISP SWAT, Galesburg Police Department, North Central Narcotics Task Force, and Troopers from Troop 3 and Troop 4 partnered for the operation. The Knox County State’s Attorney’s Office also provided support for the operation. The Illinois Trafficking Enforcement Group members currently include the Illinois State Police, Decatur Police Department, and the McLean County Sheriff's Office.

Human trafficking is the use of force, fraud, or coercion to compel a person into commercial sex acts, labor, or services against their will. ​ ISP continues 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, please visit Recognizing the Signs | National Human Trafficking Hotline.

If you suspect human trafficking, 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.