A Central Illinois police sting has led to the arrests of 11 alleged child predators.  The Paxton Police Department is credited with an investigation over the past two months that lured predators to the community for alleged sexual activity.  The investigation involved an undercover officer posing online and a teenager and waiting for adults to solicit the officer for sexual activity. Those arrested ranged in age from 25 to 62.  They face felony charges.  Five of the suspects have already pleaded guilty.

Paxton Police  Chief Coy Cornett and Ford County Sheriff Mark Doran said training was conducted with the neighboring Livingston County Proactive Unit, which has made several such arrests over several months.  Officials also added that the FBI may join the operation, which would move the charges to federal court.  

Among those arrested:  42-year-old Andy Leppard of Milford, 34-year-old Matthew Hickerson of Buckley, 30-year-old Joshua Heisler of Paxton, 34-year-old Reuben  Agguilera-Santoyo of Onarga and 25-year-old Robert Schaub of Gibson City.  Others are from Danville, Urbana, New Lenox, Rantoul and Vandalia.  

Sheriff Doran urges parents to keep an eye on their children and educate them about online safety practices.

94.1 WGFA