In McHenry County, Illinois, a former youth volleyball coach, 44-year-old Philip S. Bromley, was apprehended on Wednesday, July 19th, following a multi-week investigation by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Group and the Naval Criminal Investigation Service (NCIS). Bromley is accused of attempting to arrange a sexual encounter with a minor under the age of 14.

The investigation involved an undercover detective posing as a young girl online. Bromley allegedly engaged in conversations with the undercover detective, ultimately attempting to lure the “child” into a sexual relationship. He planned a meeting with the “girl” in Lake County, where he was subsequently arrested by waiting detectives.

Following the arrest, the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office charged Bromley with multiple felonies, including indecent solicitation of a minor, traveling to meet a minor, and grooming. A court hearing on Thursday resulted in Bromley being held at the Lake County Jail on a $500,000 bond.

Sheriff John D. Idleburg emphasized the importance of parental vigilance regarding children's online interactions, highlighting the prevalence of predators using social media platforms to target minors. Authorities encourage anyone with information related to this case, or anyone who believes they may have been victimized by Bromley, to contact their local law enforcement agency.