Internet Sting Nabs Man Trying to Lure Child

An ongoing internet investigation by the Highland Park Police Department to curb sexual abuse led to the arrest of Christopher Richko, 25, of Des Plaines on charges Friday of indecent solicitation of a child and solicitation to meet a child, according to a news release from the Highland Park Police Department.

Richko had been communicating with an investigator he believed to be a 14-year-old female, according to the release. He drove to Central Park in Highland Park Friday where he thought he was going to have a sexual encounter with a teenager.

Instead of the encounter, he was arrested when police found him sitting in his car, according to the release. A search of Richko’s vehicle and statements he made linked him to the inappropriate communications.

This is the second time in less than three months Highland Park Police have arrested man for indecent solicitation of a child. Robert Konieczko, 25, of Bartlett was arrested July 31 and indicted by the Lake County Grand Jury Sept. 4. His case is pending.

“We’re looking out to keep the Internet safe for our children, for all children,” Deputy Highland Park Police Chief George Pfutzenreuter said. “It’s the individual responsibility of parents to set rules and be responsible in the use of the Internet,” he added referring to the necessary partnership between police and the community. He also suggests keeping a computer in a public place in the home rather than child’s room.

Richko is currently being held in Lake County Jail unable to post the cash portion of a $250,000 bond. He is scheduled for a status hearing in Lake County Criminal Court at 9 a.m. Friday in Waukegan. If convicted of both counts, he could face between four and 10 years in prison.

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