The Illinois State Police (ISP) is marking a major step forward in the fight against online crimes targeting minors with the signing of House Bill 2586, known as Alicia’s Law.
Named after Alicia “Kozak” Kozakiewicz, the first widely reported victim of internet-related child abduction, the law ensures the State of Illinois will provide sustained resources to make investigations into internet crimes against children a permanent function of ISP. These crimes include luring children online for sexual activity, cyberstalking, producing child sexual abuse materials, and soliciting minors through online platforms.
Kozakiewicz, who was abducted at the age of 13 and later rescued, has since dedicated her life to protecting children. “Illinois becomes the 13th state to make this commitment, ensuring there will always be dedicated investigators to find children in danger, stop predators, and prevent more children from being harmed,” she said. “Illinois children are now safer, and more predators will be stopped before they can hurt a child.”
In 2019, ISP re-established its Division of Criminal Investigation and prioritized internet crimes against children, dedicating significant manpower and resources. The number of cases has grown over time, and ISP’s goal remains to respond to every report, preventing further exploitation with a trauma-informed approach.
To report internet crimes against children, contact local law enforcement, call the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678), or email the Illinois Attorney General’s ICAC Task Force at Illinois.icactip@ilag.gov.
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