Latest news with #Effingham
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Yahoo
Effingham man accused of human trafficking after pastor, others help victim escape
EFFINGHAM, Ill. (WCIA) — Effingham Police are highlighting the 'courage and vigilance' of community members, particularly a pastor, in rescuing a girl from years of suspected human trafficking and sexual abuse. The man accused of these crimes is under arrest. Officials said in a news release that Juan Alberto Cruz Ceba, 41, was arrested on Monday during a 'coordinated detail' in the area of 4th Street and Washington Avenue. He is facing multiple charges that include involuntary sexual servitude of a minor, human trafficking and criminal sexual assault. Former GCMS teacher extradited to Ford Co., denied pretrial release in sexual abuse case The investigation started on June 8, when officials said the Effingham Police Department took a report from a female juvenile. She revealed that she was a victim of domestic battery, sexual assaults and involuntary confinement. 'A trusted third party who is the pastor of a local church brought the juvenile to the police department to make the report,' officials said. 'The pastor had previously attended an informational meeting for community leaders on how to be an advocate for victims, which was led by Effingham Police officers.' After the initial report, the victim received immediate medical attention and was given protective assistance from child-victim crisis professionals. Officials said the investigation revealed that the girl was the victim of ongoing sexual exploitation and abuse by Cruz Ceba that started years earlier in a different location. At this time, police believe this is an isolated incident, with no other suspects and no other victims discovered. UPDATE: Guardian located after child found alone at Hessel Park in Champaign Cruz Ceba was arrested without incident on Monday and was booked into the Effingham County Jail on the following charges: Involuntary Sexual Servitude of a Minor, a Class X Felony Trafficking in Persons – Involuntary Sexual Servitude of a Minor, a Class 1 Felony Criminal Sexual Assault, a Class 1 Felony Aggravated Domestic Battery, a Class 2 Felony Interfering with the Reporting of Domestic Battery, a Class A Misdemeanor Cruz Ceba will appear in court for the first time on Wednesday to determine whether he will remain in custody under the Pretrial Fairness Act. 'The successful rescue of this young victim is a direct result of the courage and vigilance of community members who spoke up, and the dedication of our officers who acted swiftly,' said Effingham Police Chief Jason McFarland. 'This collaboration between multiple concerned residents and our dedicated officers made all the difference in bringing this young victim to safety. This case reminds us all that when our community and law enforcement work together, we can bring hope and healing to even the darkest of situations.' The investigation into this case is ongoing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Four dead after car vs. train crash in Shelby Co.
SHELBY COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — Four people died early Sunday morning after a car vs. train crash in Shelby County. Illinois State Police troopers responded to the crash at 4:20 a.m. around Shelby County Road 400 North and Route 45, north of Effingham. One airlifted in I-57 rollover crash in Shelby Co. Four people died in the car vs. train crash, but the train did not derail. The roadway reopened at 9:41 a.m. The crash is under investigation by the Illinois State Police and there is no further information at this time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
One airlifted in I-57 rollover crash in Shelby Co.
SHELBY COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — One person was airlifted to a local hospital following a single vehicle crash north of Effingham on Interstate 57 Saturday morning. At approximately 8:06 a.m., Illinois State Police Troop 7 responded to I-57 southbound milepost 172 in Shelby County for the report of a single unit rollover traffic crash. As a result of the rollover, one person was airlifted to a local hospital with injuries. Former Clark Co. student arrested in Indiana after bomb threat of former school At approximately 8:28 a.m., all southbound lanes were closed at this location for air evac. At approximately 8:58 a.m., both State Police Troop 7 and Troop 9 were still on scene, and at 9:01 a.m., all lanes re-opened. State Police are urging drivers to continue to use caution in this area and slow down until traffic returns to normal. There is no further information at this time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Yahoo
At least one dead after crash in Cumberland Co.
EFFINGHAM, Ill. (WCIA) — One person is dead and another has been flown to a hospital with injuries after a multi-vehicle crash in Cumberland County. Illinois State Police responded to I-70 eastbound just after 1 p.m. on Monday. The three car crash happened near milepost 112, just seven miles west of Greenup. Lake Mattoon Marina adds new feature As of 5:45 p.m. Illinois State Police said the roadway was closed to traffic. The investigation is ongoing. No further information is available at this time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Plans for improving Lakeside Marina discussed
Midwest Marine Construction owner Alan Tucker wants to purchase Lakeside Marina near Lake Sara to improve it and help visitors enjoy the lake. Tucker told the Effingham Water Authority on Monday that he has experience working on boat docks. His main focus will be parking, water control and electricity. When things slow down during the winter, Tucker will begin work on a dock and a restaurant. He's already in touch with Table for Twelve's chef, Thaddeus Bruno. 'He's in a great position to be able to improve that facility and the boat docks and things because of his business,' said EWA Board Member Rob Brown. 'That's what he does.' Two neighbors of the marina attended the meeting and had no concerns with his plans because they're used to the boat traffic and congestion. Tucker even installed one of their boat docks. They're also in favor of having a restaurant, an ice cream parlor or a smoothie bar there. Their only concern is loud music. 'The fact that he's been out there for quite some time and I haven't got any calls, that's a good thing,' said EWA board member Chris Kabbes. If construction needs to be done, Brown said the EWA would like to be involved in research and development so Tucker doesn't waste his time and money if the board will say 'no' right away. The board approved the purchase, but the sale is not official until a contract is signed. The contract should be ready next week. EWA board member Mike Dirks is looking forward to seeing what comes of the property. 'If it makes sense and it's going to be done right and look good, we want to support you,' said Kabbes. 'We want you to be successful.' 'I'm not opposed at all, Alan, to you having that marina. I think you would be in a great position to improve it,' said Brown. 'We have always been pro success. I mean, we want those marinas and all of our entities out there to be successful … we're going to do what we can to help you.'
