Two arrested following June enforcement action in Springfield
The Illinois State Police (ISP) led a multiagency operation in Springfield on June 24–25, 2026 that resulted in the arrest of two local men on charges tied to attempts to engage in commercial sex with minors, officials said. The operation aimed at suppressing demand was conducted by the ISP's Division of Criminal Investigation and the Illinois Trafficking Enforcement Group (ITEG) alongside several partner agencies.
According to law enforcement statements and court records, the arrested men are Raymond Stengel Sr., 74, of Springfield, and Lucas Barria, 24, also of Springfield. The Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office approved felony charges in both cases.
| Defendant | Age | Approved Charges |
|---|---|---|
| Raymond Stengel Sr. | 74 | Traveling to Meet a Minor (Class 3 felony) |
| Lucas Barria | 24 | Traveling to Meet a Minor; Indecent Solicitation of a Minor (both Class 3); Solicitation to Meet a Child (Class 4) |
Court filings and local reporting indicate both men were granted pretrial release and placed on electronic monitoring; preliminary hearings were scheduled for July 16. Police said the operation targeted people attempting to arrange commercial sex acts and was part of ISP’s ongoing, statewide effort to disrupt human trafficking.
Agencies and community guidance
ISP said the effort brought together multiple units and partner agencies, including:
- Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation (ITEG)
- Central Illinois Enforcement Group (CIEG)
- ISP SWAT and the Investigative Support Unit
- North Central Narcotics Task Force (NCNTF)
- ISP Division of Patrol Troop 3 and DCI Zone 4
- ISP Central Special Operations Group and the Decatur Police Department
Human trafficking is the use of force, fraud, or coercion to compel a person into commercial sex acts, labor, or services against their will.
Officials reiterated that signs of trafficking are not always obvious and encouraged residents to learn the indicators and report suspicious activity. Resources cited in public statements include the National Human Trafficking Hotline and its website. The hotline is reachable at 1‑888‑373‑7888 or via text at 233733 (text TIPLINE *233733).
Those with information about trafficking or related crimes can also email ISP tips at ISP.CrimeTips@illinois.gov. Law enforcement described the operation as one component of a broader strategy to protect vulnerable Illinois residents and reduce demand for commercial sex that can fuel trafficking.
For Springfield residents, the arrests underscore local involvement in state-directed enforcement initiatives and highlight ongoing collaboration among law enforcement agencies. The Sangamon County prosecutor’s office will handle charging decisions and upcoming court proceedings. Additional updates are expected as cases move through the judicial process.
News Block will continue to monitor the situation and provide follow-up reporting on court dates and any further actions by investigators or prosecutors.
