A Peoria, Illinois man, Paul Graf, aged 36, has been sentenced to 120 months in federal prison followed by 10 years of supervised release for the attempted enticement of a minor. The sentence was issued on April 17, 2025, by U.S. District Judge Jonathan E. Hawley.
Graf had reportedly engaged in online correspondence with someone he believed to be a 13-year-old girl from April 8 to April 18, 2024. During this period, he expressed sexual interest in the supposed minor and discussed performing specific sexual acts. On April 18, 2024, Graf visited a prearranged location to meet this individual, leading to his arrest. Authorities found him in possession of a cell phone and a bag containing various sex-related items.
In court, further evidence was presented that a minor had accused Graf of repeated sexual abuse over several years to an officer from the Peoria Police Department. This evidence, supported by items found at Graf's residence post-arrest, resulted in an enhanced sentence due to Graf being identified as a repeat and dangerous sex offender against minors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Ortiz commented on the severity of Graf's actions, stating, “Crimes against children are particularly heinous. This case is a reminder of the inherent dangers the children of our community face every day, on the internet and elsewhere. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of Illinois and its law enforcement partners prioritize the protection of children, and we remain committed to fully seeking justice for these most vulnerable of victims.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher J.S. Johnson also stressed the importance of accountability: “This individual used the internet to prey on the vulnerable, believing anonymity would protect him. It didn’t. Our agents, in collaboration with our partners, worked tirelessly to bring him to justice. Let this be a message to anyone else who would attempt to harm our children, you will be held accountable.”
The statutory penalties for attempted enticement of a minor include a minimum of ten years to life in prison, a minimum of five years to life on supervised release, and fines up to $250,000.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Springfield Office, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations and the Peoria Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa P. Ortiz led the prosecution efforts.
This case was part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative by the Department of Justice focused on combating child sexual exploitation and abuse. Through U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, the project aims to utilize federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute offenders while rescuing victims. Further information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.projectsafechildhood.gov.