Minooka's Key Players to Address Sex Trafficking at Local Massage Businesses

Minooka's police, state's attorney and village representatives are convening Thursday evening to discuss an issue plaguing the community: Sex trafficking.

"We will start with a summary of concerns regarding the massage businesses that have had allegations against them (and then update) the public on the steps that have been taken to this point," coordinators said, in a community bulletin.

Each panelist will provide a summary of their respective office's role in mitigating sex trafficking and a question and answer period will follow. The Aug. 18 forum is on the heels of a this year's Johns Suppression Initiative, a nationwide law enforcement effort aimed at curbing sex trafficking. More than 1,300 total "sex buyers" were charged in the latest round of stings, which were conducted from July 1 to Aug. 7.

"The main goal of this forum is to educate the public on: What government and local organizations can and cannot do when it comes to making sure these massage businesses are legitimate; protecting the public; identifying potential sex trafficking rings; steps already taken; (and) shedding light on this topic to help education everyone with concerns," Minooka officials said.

The free 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 18 forum will be held in the village of Minooka's community room, 121 East McEvilly Road.

Panelists include:

• Village Representatives – Dan Duffy, Administrator; Mike Stiff, Legal Counsel for Village
• Village Police Dept – Justin Meyer, Chief of Minooka Police Department
• States Attorney’s Office – Jason Helland, States Attorney
• Rep from Groundwork/Guardian Angel Home Joliet/Morris
• Northern Illinois Women of the Evangelical Church In America, ( NIWELCA)- Joan Soltwisch, Social Justice Chair

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