In a significant operation in Galesburg on September 24, 2024, Knox County Sheriff’s Office apprehended 32-year-old Kevin A. Cooper from Havana, charged with multiple offenses, including solicitation and grooming of a minor. Authorities revealed that Cooper was intercepted after he rented a hotel room and was en route to pick up the minor. He was allegedly preparing to engage in sexual intercourse and provide marijuana to a 15-year-old minor. Sheriff Jack Harlan, emphasizing community safety, urged parents to monitor their children’s social media interactions closely. Cooper, now held at Knox County Jail, faces serious legal charges. He remains innocent until proven guilty. The community breathes easier knowing potential harm to a minor was averted. Cooper was transported to the Knox County Jail and charged with Solicitation to Meet a Child (Class 4 Felony), Traveling to Meet a Child (Class 3 Felony), Indecent Solicitation of a Child/Internet (Class 4 Felony), Indecent Solicitation of a Child/Agg Criminal Sexual Abuse (Class 3 Felony), and Grooming (Class 4 Felony).
A detention hearing was held on September 27th and Kevin Cooper will remain detained. A Preliminary Hearing is scheduled for October 23, 2024, at 2 PM.
All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.