EAST ST. LOUIS, IL – Joseph L. Hughes, 27, of Missouri, is facing federal charges after allegedly crossing state lines to prey on a child. Hughes, also known as “Joe King,” was arraigned today on a three-count indictment accusing him of orchestrating a horrific scheme to sexually exploit a minor in Illinois.
According to the indictment, between November 21 and December 8, 2018, Hughes knowingly used interstate commerce – likely online communication – to persuade, induce, entice, and coerce the victim into engaging in aggravated criminal sexual abuse. The feds allege Hughes didn’t stop at online grooming. He physically traveled from Missouri to Illinois not once, but twice, to meet the minor and carry out his twisted intentions – first on November 24th and again on December 8th.
This isn’t just a federal case. Hughes is also currently battling related charges in St. Clair County, Illinois, suggesting local authorities were already on his trail. While an indictment is not proof of guilt, the evidence presented thus far paints a grim picture. The Department of Justice is pursuing this case under the umbrella of “Project Safe Childhood,” a nationwide initiative dedicated to dismantling child sexual exploitation networks.
If convicted of the enticement charge, Hughes could spend the rest of his life behind bars, facing a potential sentence of 10 years to life in prison, alongside a hefty fine of up to $250,000 and a lifetime of supervised release. The two counts of traveling with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct carry their own steep penalties – up to 30 years imprisonment *per count*, another potential $250,000 fine, and the possibility of lifelong supervised release. That’s a potential total of 90 years plus significant financial penalties.
The investigation, a collaborative effort between the Belleville Police Department, the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department, the St. Louis County Police Department, and the FBI, underscores the multi-agency approach to tackling these heinous crimes. Assistant U.S. Attorney Angela Scott is prosecuting the case, and a trial is currently scheduled for July 2, 2019, in East St. Louis. The feds are making it clear they intend to bring Hughes to justice.
Project Safe Childhood, launched in 2006, aims to locate and prosecute those who exploit children, and rescue victims. Anyone with information regarding child exploitation is urged to contact authorities. Resources and internet safety education can be found at https://www.justice.gov/psc. This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking online and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable children.
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Key Facts
- State: Illinois
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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