Ill. Paramedic and Firefighter Charged With Soliciting a Minor

Dec. 04--A Clayton firefighter and paramedic faces indecent solicitation of a child charges.

Daniel W. Pellegrini, 45, was charged on Monday.

"The investigation revealed he was soliciting the minor through a variety of electronic media," said St. Clair County State's Attorney Brendan Kelly.

Pellegrini was placed on administrative leave, according to Clayton City Manager Craig Owens. The city did not immediately answer whether that leave was paid or unpaid.

"We were made aware of the arrest of one of our employees related to off-duty conduct and per our department and city personnel procedures, this employee has been placed on administrative leave pending further investigation," Owens said. "The city does not publicly discuss any personnel matters but maintains high standards within our high performing professional team."

Kelly referred additional questions to the Cahokia Police Department, who could not immediately be reached for comment.

Pellegrini, of 7063 Whisper Creek Drive in Wentzville, is accused of soliciting a 16-year-old girl with the intent to commit aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

Pellegrini has been with the Clayton Fire Department since February 2004. Pellegrini graduated from the St. Louis Fire Academy. He worked for Abbott Ambulance from 1995 until he was hired by Clayton. He currently earns $71,000 a year.

"We will cooperate fully with any law enfocement investigaiton and support the legal process," Owens said. "Our top priority is always to ensure excellent professional service to the public who place their trust in us and we have no indication that anything but great service has been delivered consistently and will continue in the future."

Indecent solicitation of a minor is a Class 3 felony punishable by two to five years in prison.

Pellegrini's bail was set at $50,000. He has not yet posted bond. There was an active warrant for his arrest on Thursday afternoon.

Beth Hundsdorfer: 618-239-2570, @bhundsdorfer

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