BENTON, IL — A 44-year-old Mt. Vernon man was sentenced last week in Benton federal court to 10 years in prison for a child sex crime.

Jesse Cantu had previously pleaded guilty to attempted enticement of a minor and was sentenced Thursday to 120 months in federal prison.

According to court documents, from on or about July 13, 2019, until on or about July 19, 2019, Jesse Cantu knowingly attempted to persuade a child to engage in prostitution and sexual activity.

Cantu was one of eight men federally indicted last year in Benton in connection with “Operation Independence Day” a nationwide initiative aimed at combating child sex trafficking.

The men were all charged in connection with an online, undercover investigation. No actual minors were harmed. Each of the offenses is alleged to have occurred in Williamson County, Illinois.