An NIU student appeared on Monday in Knox County court on charges of indecent solicitation of a minor, a Class 1 felony.

Alexander M. Johnson was arrested Saturday in Galesburg after allegedly planning a sexual encounter with a 13-year-old.

According to a Galesburg Police press release, Johnson had Internet conversations with an individual he believed to be 13 years old. As part of the conversation, Johnson planned a sexual encounter with the individual, according to police reports.

Galesburg Police began monitoring the conversations Oct. 11, and reported that Johnson, who lives in Douglas Hall D-wing, Room 288, agreed to meet the 13-year-old in Galesburg on Saturday, Oct. 14.

Galesburg Police Chief David Christensen told the Peoria Journal-Star there was no 13-year-old involved, but someone posing as a 13-year-old. Johnson was later released on $25,000 bond.

Johnson declined to comment late Thursday from his Douglas Hall room.