Illinois State Police Leads Human Trafficking Demand Suppression Operation in Springfield
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 9, 2026
JULY 9, 2026
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Illinois Trafficking Enforcement Group (ITEG) arrested two individuals during a two-day human trafficking demand suppression operation in Springfield on June 24–25, 2026. The operation focused on identifying individuals seeking to engage in commercial sex acts. As a result of the operation, two individuals were arrested, and the Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office approved the following charges:
- Raymond Stengel Sr. (74) of Springfield, IL - Traveling to Meet a Minor (Class 3 Felony).
- Lucas Barria (24) of Springfield, IL – Traveling to Meet a Minor, Indecent Solicitation of a Minor (Class 3 Felonies), Solicitation to Meet a Child (Class 4 Felony).
This operation was part of a multiagency approach by ISP aimed at stopping human trafficking in Illinois. ITEG, the Central Illinois Enforcement Group (CIEG), ISP SWAT, ISP Investigative Support Unit, North Central Narcotics Task Force (NCNTF), ISP Division of Patrol Troop 3, ISP DCI Zone 4, ISP Central Special Operations Group, and the Decatur Police Department partnered for the operation.
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.
The charges are not evidence against the defendants, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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