Top photo of Derrick R. Sepp in July 2017 and below in 2016.

TROY, IL. – After a thorough investigation, Troy Chief of Police Brad Parsons, announced Monday the arrest of Derrick R. Sepp, 41, of Apopka, Fla., for predatory criminal sexual assault and aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

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During 2002 and 2003, Sepp was in the Troy area and allegedly had sexual relations with a 12-year-old victim who lived in Troy.

In 2008 Sepp was arrested for sex crimes against a 12-year-old victim in Polk County, Fla. Sepp was convicted of his Polk County crimes in 2009 and sentenced to prison in Florida. In 2014, the Troy victim observed Sepp’s criminal actions in Polk County from a news source on the internet. The victim then came forward and reported his experiences with Sepp to the Troy Police Department (TPD).

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Detectives began investigating the case and worked with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Sexual Offender Surveillance Squad to obtain information about Sepp. The investigation revealed that Sepp used chatrooms and social media to befriend young males. He would then lure the young males into meeting him in person. Sepp used multiple internet sources, and would sometimes identify himself as Erik.

“The inherent innocence of children is something we should all work to protect,” Troy Chief Parsons said. “The crimes committed to destroy that innocence is deplorable and the Troy Police Department will ensure allegations of those crimes are investigated to the fullest. In an effort to prevent crimes like this occurring in the future, I encourage parents to take some time to speak with their children about the dangers of meeting people online,” continued Chief Parsons.

On July 13, 2017, a detective from the Troy Police Department presented the case to the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office. A nationwide arrest warrant was issued and Sepp was arrested in Florida by the Orange County Sherriff’s Office on July 19, 2017. Sepp is charged with three counts of predatory criminal sexual assault, a Class X felony with a sentence of 6-30 years in prison per count, and one count of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, a Class 2 felony with a sentence of 3-7 years in prison.

Anyone who believes they may have encountered Sepp should contact their local police agency or the Troy Police Department at (618) 667-6731.

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