Juan Alberto Cruz Ceba, 41, of Effingham, is in custody at the Effingham County Jail after an investigation by the Effingham Police Department uncovered multiple offenses that had occurred at a residence in Effingham.
On June 8, Effingham City Police received a report of a female juvenile who revealed she was the victim of domestic battery, sexual assaults, and was subjected to involuntary confinement at her residence. A trusted third party, who is the pastor of a local church, brought the juvenile to the police department to make the report. The pastor had previously attended an informational meeting for community leaders on how to be an advocate for victims, which was led by Effingham police officers.
After the initial report, the victim received immediate medical attention and was given protective assistance from area child-victim crisis professionals.
Effingham Police Department criminal investigators promptly started furthering the case, and determined the juvenile was a victim of ongoing sexual exploitation and abuse, which had started years earlier in a different location. The investigation also uncovered additional offenses perpetrated by Cruz Ceba against the victim. At this time, detectives believe this is an isolated incident; no other suspects were discovered related to this criminal activity and no other victims are associated with this suspect.
In a coordinated detail on Monday, June 23, at approximately 4:56 p.m., Effingham police officers took Cruz Ceba into custody in the 400th block of E. Washington without incident and transported him to Effingham County Jail, where he was booked on the following charges:
• Involuntary Sexual Servitude of a Minor, a Class X Felony
• Trafficking in Persons – Involuntary Sexual Servitude of a Minor, a Class 1 Felony
• Criminal Sexual Assault, a Class 1 Felony
• Aggravated Domestic Battery, a Class 2 Felony
• Interfering with the Reporting of Domestic Battery, a Class A Misdemeanor
Cruz Ceba will have an initial court appearance on Wednesday, June 25, to determine eligibility for continued detention under the Pretrial Fairness Act.
This is an ongoing investigation at this time. Additional information will be provided if it becomes available.
“The successful rescue of this young victim is a direct result of the courage and vigilance of community members who spoke up, and the dedication of our officers who acted swiftly. This collaboration between multiple concerned residents and our dedicated officers made all the difference in bringing this young victim to safety. This case reminds us all that when our community and law enforcement work together, we can bring hope and healing to even the darkest of situations,” said Effingham Police Chief Jason McFarland.
If you see it, say it! The Effingham Police Department encourages you to call the Police Department immediately at 217-347-0774 to report suspicious activity in your neighborhood or business district. Information can be given anonymously by calling the CRIME STOPPERS Tip Line at 217-347-6583. Anonymous callers can receive up to $1,000 cash rewards.