Today, in the U.S. District Court within the Southern District of Illinois, a magistrate judge ordered Trevor W. Yokley, a 32-year-old man from Vandalia, to be held in custody without bail. Yokley is charged with attempting to entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, a crime that carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and could lead to life imprisonment.
"Individuals who prey on children perpetrate vile crimes, which is why identifying child predators is a top priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners," stated U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft.
The complaint against Yokley describes how an undercover FBI agent created a social media profile posing as a 14-year-old girl. Between January and April 2025, Yokley allegedly contacted the fictitious minor and attempted to engage in sexual activities with her.
FBI Springfield Special Agent in Charge Christopher Johnson noted, "Due to the tireless pursuit of criminals who would target children, a once faceless online predator has been unmasked and arrested. This arrest is one of many to come as FBI Springfield continues to work alongside our partners to identify and bring child predators to justice."
Yokley was arrested by the FBI in Effingham on April 1, 2025, when he traveled there intending to meet the minor for sexual activity.
It is important to note that a complaint is merely a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
The FBI Springfield Field Office is leading the ongoing investigation, with assistance from the Carlyle Police Department, Mt. Vernon Police Department, and Effingham Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ali Burns.