Human Trafficking

Bloomington's city manager says the newly-passed massage business ordinance will do more than help shut down illicit businesses.

Human trafficking cases are on the rise in Central Illinois, according to a survivor's advocate. Carol Merna from the Center for Prevention of Abuse says the increase in reported victims is likely due to greater awareness about human trafficking, either through commercial sex or forced labor.

The City of Bloomington’s proposal to place higher fees on massage establishments and adult-oriented businesses as a way to suppress human trafficking is on hold, at least for two weeks.

The City of Bloomington is proposing new regulations for massage parlors and adult entertainment venues amid reports that some operating in the city are not legitimate businesses.

Normal Police were called to a local massage spa Wednesday and reportedly found a victim of human trafficking.

There were more than 2,000 human trafficking victims in Illinois from 2019 to 2023, according to the National Human Trafficking Hotline. By one tally, nearly one-third of those victims live in Central Illinois.

Six men have been arrested by the Illinois State Police for allegedly attempting to engage in commercial sex acts with underage individuals, following a two-day investigation in the Bloomington area.

Federal prosecutors said Friday a 29-year-old man from Normal has received a 10-year prison sentence for sex trafficking a minor.

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