A Peoria man, Joshua Michael Williams, aged 43, has been sentenced to 135 months in prison for attempted enticement of a minor. The sentencing took place on March 5, 2025, and was followed by an order for ten years of supervised release. Williams is also required to register as a sex offender.
The case was heard by U.S. District Judge Jonathan E. Hawley. During the hearing, it was revealed that Williams engaged in online conversations in early 2024 with someone he believed to be the stepfather of an 11-year-old girl. Williams expressed interest in meeting the child for sexual purposes and had previously shown interest in engaging with another minor female. He arranged a meeting but was arrested upon arrival.
Williams pleaded guilty to the charges in October 2024 and has been held by the U.S. Marshals Service since his arrest. Judge Hawley commented during sentencing that it was fortunate no actual minor was involved, noting the potential impact such actions could have had on a child's life.
Attempted enticement of a minor carries statutory penalties ranging from ten years to life imprisonment, along with five years to life of supervised release.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation's Springfield Field Office conducted the investigation into Williams' activities. This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse through coordinated efforts across federal, state, and local levels.
For further details about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
