SYCAMORE — A DeKalb man has been charged with indecent solicitation of a child after sending a teen online messages seeking sexual acts for money.
Gabriel G. Ferguson, 23, of the 600 block of South First Street in DeKalb, was charged with indecent solicitation of a child and unlawful grooming. Each charge is punishable by one to three years in prison.
He appeared in court Monday via closed-circuit TV from the DeKalb County Jail.
According to court documents, on Nov. 9, Ferguson discussed with a child via the Internet an act of sexual conduct and solicited sex acts in exchange for money.
DeKalb police Lt. Jason Leverton said the minor was 16 at the time and Ferguson knew her through a friend. The online messaging went back and forth for about a month, at which point the DeKalb girl became tired of Ferguson's persistence and contacted police.
Leverton said police don't believe Ferguson has made contact with others regarding sex acts for money.
A warrant was issued for Ferguson's arrest Aug. 16, with bond set at $5,000. The public defender's office was appointed to represent Ferguson, who will next appear in court Aug. 30.
Associate Judge Ron Matekaitis said Ferguson cannot have contact with the girl.