A man from Joliet faced charges in court after an investigation by the Cook County Sheriff's Police into a case of commercial sex trafficking. Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart announced that James Hardeman, 39, is accused of trafficking a victim for prostitution.
The investigation began when the Sheriff's Police Vice Unit responded to an advertisement on a website known for commercial sex solicitations. An undercover investigator met with the victim at a motel in Bridgeview, where the victim agreed to engage in sexual acts for money. After this agreement, other investigators entered the room and discovered that the victim was being trafficked by Hardeman, who was found waiting near the motel. Hardeman was arrested without incident.
At Sheriff’s Police Headquarters, it was found that Hardeman allegedly recruited the victim last November for commercial sex work. It was also revealed that he kept the earnings from this work, controlled room keys, and provided security while the victim was with clients.
After the operation, the Sheriff's Police Victim Support Services team, which supports survivors of trafficking and domestic violence, connected with the victim to provide necessary resources.
The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office approved multiple felony charges against Hardeman, including Trafficking for Labor/Recruits, Trafficking for Labor/Benefits, Involuntary Solitude Causing Financial Harm, and Promoting Prostitution.
Hardeman's first court appearance took place at the George N. Leighton Criminal Courthouse. Authorities remind the public that Hardeman is presumed innocent until proven guilty.