DePaul University Student from China Detained in McLean County After Allegedly Traveling to Meet 13 Year Old for Sex

DePaul University student Jiayu Chen was arrested in Bloomington, Illinois, for traveling to meet a 13-year-old for sex after a tip led police to a local theater.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 4, 2026, 7:22 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from 25News Now

Apprehension at Bloomington Entertainment Venue

The Bloomington Police Department successfully intercepted a potential predatory encounter last weekend after receiving a credible tip regarding a suspicious individual. Officers apprehended 26 year old Jiayu Chen at a local movie theater Saturday afternoon, where he was reportedly waiting for an individual he believed was only 13 years old. According to police reports, Chen was found in possession of flowers intended for the minor at the time of his arrest. The suspect, a Chinese national currently attending DePaul University in Chicago, was taken into custody without incident and transported to the McLean County Jail for processing.

Multiple Felony Charges Filed by Prosecutors

Following the arrest, McLean County prosecutors filed a series of serious charges against Chen, reflecting the severity of the alleged solicitation. The counts include traveling to meet a minor, indecent solicitation, solicitation to meet a child, and grooming. These offenses are classified as either Class 3 or Class 4 felonies under Illinois law, which carry a variety of sentencing options. Potential penalties for a conviction on these charges range from a term in the state prison system to community based sentences involving probation and significant time in the county jail.

Pre Trial Detention and Judicial Rulings

On Monday, Chen made his initial court appearance before McLean County Associate Judge Amy McFarland. During the proceeding, the state presented a motion to deny pretrial release, arguing that the nature of the charges and the defendant's status necessitated continued detention. Judge McFarland granted the motion, ordering that Chen remain in jail as the legal process moves forward. This decision aligns with recent shifts in Illinois judicial protocols regarding public safety and the risk of flight in cases involving the alleged exploitation of children.