Antioch man charged in police child predator sting

A 43-year old Antioch man is being held on charges related to an online attempt to solicit sex from a child, authorities said.

Douglas Bedini of the 200 block of North Avenue was taken into custody Thursday following an undercover child predator sting by Antioch police, according to a village news release.

According to police, Bedini engaged in a sexually explicit conversation with someone he thought was a 14-year-old boy but was actually a detective.

Bedini was taken into custody when he arrived at a location where he believed he would be meeting the child, police said.

He was charged with indecent solicitation of a child and sexual exploitation of a child. Bail was set Saturday at $500,000, and Bedini needed to post 10% to be released. He remained in the Lake County jail on Monday.

Additional charges are possible as the case continues to be investigated by Antioch police and the Lake County state's attorney's office, according to the release.

Bedini is due back in court on Nov. 17.

Antioch Police Chief Geoffrey Guttschow reminded parents of the importance of monitoring their children's social media use, as some online sites and apps can be a breeding ground for predators.

Parents are encouraged to follow these tips:

• Educate yourself about the websites and social media apps your children use.

• Monitor your children's social media accounts and have conversations about what is appropriate to say and share.

• Make sure your children's account privacy settings are restrict access to any personal information.

• Tell your children never to share their location with anyone other than family.

• Tell your children to avoid communicating with anyone they do not personally know.

• Ensure your children know they can come to you with any inappropriate or concerning activity.