Effingham, IL -(Effingham Radio)- On February 5th, 2020 at 1145 AM, the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office received information from students and staff at the Teutopolis High School about a meeting between a juvenile female student and an adult male. The male was traveling a long distance to meet with her at the school at around 1:30 PM.
The investigation revealed the juvenile female was having a clandestine, online relationship with the male and both had planned to meet at the school after early dismissal. The Sheriff’s Office deployed patrol and undercover units to the area and approached the male upon his arrival at the school. At no time did the suspect have contact with any of the students or the staff at Teutopolis High School. The suspect was detained and subsequently arrested after a short investigation.
The investigation revealed Antonio R. Ferto-Castorena, age 29, of Maywood, Illinois, traveled to the Teutopolis High School with the intent to meet with the juvenile female student. Ferto Castorena was immediately detained and charged with Traveling to Meet a Minor, a Class 3 felony and Grooming, a Class 4 felony. Detectives with the Sheriff’s Office continue to investigate the technological end of the case. The Sheriff’s Office has referred this matter to the Effingham County State’s Attorney’s Office for prosecution. Due to the pending charges and the ongoing investigation, the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office withholds any further comment.
Effingham County Sheriff David Mahon praised the efforts of the Sheriff’s Deputies, the School Administration, the staff and the students: “I am extremely proud of the cooperation of all those involved. From the students who reported this, to the faculty at Teutopolis High School, and to the quick response of the School Resource Officer and the Detective Section of the Sheriff’s Office. This situation, if left to run its course, could have ended tragically. This is a perfect example of how we all need to be mindful when interacting online”.
Social media applications were involved in this investigation and Sheriff Mahon wanted to remind parents and children to be cautious when chatting online. “Technology has its benefits, when used responsibly. Just because someone is online and they portray themselves to be your friend, that may not always be the case. Children should be monitored by an adult when using devices connected to the internet.” Sheriff Mahon said, “Those looking to prey on our youth often use online chatroom applications to target, lure and befriend children and then push to meet them in person. Children should never attempt to meet online “friends” in person.”
The information contained in this release is a mere allegation and Ferto-Castorena is considered innocent, until proven guilty, in a court of law.
