EUREKA, Ill. – A Gilson man was arrested over the weekend for allegedly traveling to Woodford County to meet up with what he thought was a 15-year-old girl for sex.

Woodford County Chief Deputy Dennis Tipsword said 36-year-old Michael Briggs was booked into the Woodford County Jail on charges of indecent solicitation of a child, indecent solicitation of a child using the internet, traveling to meet a minor and grooming. All four charges are felonies.

The arrest and investigation was conducted by Woodford County’s “predator team” within the Sheriff’s Office’s Pro-Active unit.

Briggs is being held in the Woodford County Jail awaiting his court appearance. The judge at that time will determine if he qualifies for detention under the pretrial fairness act.

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