FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2015
Tuesday, February 10,
EFFINGHAM COUNTY FILES SEX-RELATED CHARGE AGAINST
LARSON
EFFINGHAM, IL Effingham County States Attorney Bryan Kibler today filed
an additional charge of INDECENT SOLICITATION OF A CHILD (Count V)
against Steven C. Larson, 60, of Altamont, in connection with the January 31st
disappearance of a 13-year old girl from rural Effingham who was located
hours later in Larsons company at a hotel in Sikeston, Missouri.
The filing of this solicitation charge makes clear that the defendant was
engaged in sexually-motivated behavior, said Kibler. Todays filing is based
upon information that came to light late last week through the diligent work
of several law enforcement officers, including Illinois State Police District 12
Special Agent Holly Finney. This investigation continues.
INDECENT SOLICITATION OF A CHILD is a Class 2 felony offense, punishable
by up to 7-years in prison, according to Kibler. However, additional charges
remain under contemplation in cooperation with Missouri and federal
authorities, Kibler added.
The charging document filed by Kibler on Tuesday alleges that Larson
knowingly solicited a child under 17-years of age to engage in an act of
sexual penetration. The charge of INDECENT SOLICITATION OF A CHILD at
an enhanced felony level is appropriate, according to Kibler, because the
defendant held a position of trust or supervision over the minor child.
Charges already faced by Larson prior to Tuesdays filing and still on file in
Effingham County include: KIDNAPPING (Counts I-II), Class 2; UNLAWFUL
RESTRAINT (Count III), Class 4; OBSTRUCTING JUSTICE (Count IV), Class 4.
Statements made herein are based upon probable cause. The defendant is presumed
innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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