On May 7, 2025, the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the Peoria City Police Department, successfully conducted a joint operation targeting online child exploitation. The operation aimed to locate a suspect reportedly soliciting minors for sexual acts via online chats within the Knox County area.
Robert R. Romero, a 67-year-old H/M, was located at his residence in the Peoria area. Romero was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Peoria City Police Department for further questioning. Romero was later booked into the Peoria County Jail.
Romero was booked on the following charges:
Indecent Solicitation of a Child
Grooming
Distribution of Harmful Material to a Minor
This investigation underscores the ongoing commitment of the Knox County Sheriff’s Office and our law enforcement partners to protect minors and pursue those who engage in child exploitation.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
***Courtesy of the Knox County Sheriff’s Office Facebook Page***
