Girl sexually assaulted for years saved by vigilant pastor, Illinois cops say

A girl who authorities say was trafficked and sexually assaulted for years was rescued with help from a local pastor, Illinois authorities say.

The pastor had recently attended an informational meeting on how to be an advocate for trafficking victims, according to the Effingham Police Department. His took his instruction to heed, bringing an alleged trafficking victim to Effingham City police headquarters on June 8.

The girl told officers “she was the victim of domestic battery, sexual assaults and was subjected to involuntary confinement at her residence,” police said.

As officers investigated the case, they learned the girl had been sexually exploited and abused over multiple years, according to police.

The alleged suspect, 41-year-old Juan Alberto Cruz Ceba, was also tied to different offenses involving the child victim, police said in a June 24 news release.

Cruz Ceba was arrested June 23 and charged with involuntary sexual servitude, trafficking in persons, criminal sexual assault, aggravated domestic battery and interfering with the reporting of domestic battery, according to police.

Officers believe Cruz Ceba acted alone and there are no additional victims. The investigation is ongoing.

“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,” Effingham Police Chief Jason McFarland said. “This collaboration between multiple concerned residents and our dedicated officers made all the difference in bringing this young victim to safety.”

Effingham is about a 100-mile drive northeast from St. Louis.

This story was originally published June 25, 2025 at 9:14 AM with the headline "Girl sexually assaulted for years saved by vigilant pastor, Illinois cops say."