Man Attempts To Meet Up With 'Underage Boy' For Sex During Undercover Sting: Sheriff

GLENVIEW, IL — A 65-year-old man has been arrested following an undercover child exploitation investigation in which police said he tried to meet up with someone he believed was a 13-year-old boy to engage in sexual acts. James W. Ropa, of the 1800 block of Dewes Street, Glenview, was charged with indecent solicitation of a child, solicitation to meet a child, traveling to meet a minor, and grooming, following his arrest last week.

The charges were approved by the Lake County State's Attorney's Office, which filed a petition to detain Ropa in custody at the Lake County Jail while awaiting trial. The petition was approved and Ropa is next due in court on Feb. 18.

According to the Lake County Sheriff's Office, which worked with the United States Naval Criminal Investigation Service on the undercover operation, Ropa contacted who he believed was a child on Jan. 28 via social media. The accused thought he was talking to a 13-year-old boy, but instead, it was an undercover detective.

Police said during the conversation Ropa expressed his desire to meet the "boy" later that evening when the "boy's" parents were not home. Ropa indicated he intended to engage in sexual acts with the "boy" while the parents were away.

Ropa drove to what he thought was the boy's home in Lake County, where he was met by NCIS special agents and detectives from the LCSO and arrested.

"Protecting children requires constant vigilance and strong partnerships," Lake County Sheriff John D. Idleburg said. 'This case again underscores how effective collaboration with our law enforcement partners can be in identifying offenders and stopping them before harm occurs."