🚨 On Sunday, Sept. 28, the Effingham Police Department responded to a report of an unknown male taking photographs of females in the women’s restroom at Golden Corral, 1102 Avenue of Mid America.
We are grateful to the Effingham Police Department for their swift action in apprehending the suspect. This serves as an important reminder to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to help keep our community safe.
#CommunitySafety #StayAlert #57Over70TaskForceUpdate and clarification in the case of the man recording women while they used the restroom at Golden Corral in Effingham, Illinois--- The additional serious charges of S/Assault to a minor and CP charges are unrelated to the Golden Corral incident. I've been informed the charges allegedly stem from video recorded by Dylan S. Ritchel, where he allegedly assaulted an approximately 6-month-old infant and reportedly filmed the incident.
The additional charges pertaining to minors are not due to any minors in the restroom at the time of the illegal recording at the restaurant.
People in the community are expressing extreme gratitude for the women stepping forward and making sure the man was caught for his alleged acts. They did this even after the man was allowed by the manager to exit the restaurant from an alternate door and attempt to get away.
I interviewed the first victim that was reportedly recorded by Dylan Ritchel at Golden Corral while she used the restroom. In our interview, she shared the shocking behavior by the manager, as she witnessed it, after the man was caught red-handed filming women in the restroom. You can find that story on this page along with a video taken by a young lady who caught Ritchel filming her under the stall.
Our thoughts are with everyone involved.
Original story below.
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Altamont (Illinois) man has been arrested for unauthorized video taping of females using the restroom at the Golden Corral in Effingham, Illinois.
The Effingham police department has released a press release about this incident. Just a heads up, these are very disturbing charges.
On Sunday, September 28, 2025, at approximately 1:11 P.M., Effingham Police Department Officers responded to Golden Corral, 1102 Ave of Mid America, for a report of an unknown male taking photographs of females in the women’s restroom. Initial reports stated the male had already fled the establishment. Officers, assisted by Effingham County Sheriff’s Deputies, located the male minutes after arrival and took him into custody.
The male was identified as Dylan S. Ritchel, 22, Altamont. Ritchel was booked into the Effingham County Jail on the following charges:
- 2 Counts – Unauthorized Video Recording and Live Video Transmission – Class 4 Felony
- 2 Counts – Disorderly Conduct – Class C Misdemeanor
After investigating further, Detectives discovered additional evidence of criminal activity and added these additional charges:
• Aggravated Criminal S/assault of a Minor – Class X Felony
• Manufacture of C.P. – Class X Felony
• Possession of C.P. – Class 2 Felony
Ritchel will have his initial court appearance on Tuesday morning for all listed charges. The hearing will be held to determine eligibility for continued detention under the Pre-Trial Fairness Act.
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If you see something suspicious, say something. Reporting could be the difference between freedom and continued exploitation.
📞 Call: 1-888-373-7888 | Emergencies: 911 | Effingham PD: 217-347-0774
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Stay alert. Speak up. Protect our children in our community.
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From Fear to Advocacy: Laura Mullen’s Journey
Laura Mullen spent six years on the streets, trafficked by multiple individuals who exploited her drug addiction. She endured unimaginable abuse and lived in constant fear, feeling trapped and voiceless.
But Laura’s story didn’t end there. With the support of the Empowerment Collaborative of Long Island, she began her path to healing. Today, she is the Co-Founder and President of the Survivor Advisory Board, working alongside law enforcement and 34 partner agencies to support others and ensure no one faces their journey alone.
Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of early conversations about online safety and the strength of supportive communities in recovery.
📌 Read Laura’s full story: polarisproject.org/survivor-story-laura-mullen/
#SurvivorStories #OnlineSafety #Know2Protect #57/70TaskForce #EmpowerThroughAwareness
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It’s Never Too Early to Talk About Online Safety 🖥️✨
Even the youngest children are using phones, tablets, and computers every day. Starting the conversation early helps them develop safe online habits before risks arise.
We strongly encourage parents and guardians to:
·Teach children how to protect personal information
·Help them recognize unsafe interactions
·Explore fun, safe online resources together
Online safety is a habit that begins at any age. Start the conversation today: know2protect.gov
#Know2Protect #OnlineSafetyForKids #ParentTips #5770TaskForce
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Every child deserves to grow up safe in person and online. Online child sexual exploitation and abuse continues to rise, targeting the most vulnerable among us.
We are standing with @Know2Protect to fight this crime and raise awareness in our community.
Here’s how you can help protect children online:
·Talk openly with children about online safety and boundaries
·Know the signs of online exploitation and report suspicious activity
·Use parental controls and privacy settings on devices
·Encourage children to speak up if something feels wrong
Together we can protect children. Learn more at know2protect.gov.
#ChildSafety #Pledge2Protect #5770TaskForce
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