Larson Charged w/Indecent Solicitation of a Child

Effingham County State's Attorney Bryan Kibler Tuesday filed an additional charge of indecent solicitation of a child against Altamont resident Steven Larson. The additional charge against the 60-year-old Larson is in connection with the January 31 disappearance of a 13-year-old girl from rural Effingham who was located hours later in Larson's 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. "Today's 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 possible imprisonment of up to seven years, 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."

Larson is already being held on other charges stemming from the incident, including kidnapping, unlawful restraint and obstructing justice.