Detectives have arrested a Zion man for possessing images and videos of child sexual abuse material, many involving children younger than 13, and two canines are credited with helping in the case.
Lake County sheriff’s detectives received a tip from an online cloud storage website indicating a device in Lake County uploaded child pornography to their platform, according to Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli.
Sheriff’s detective began an investigation and determined the likely source was coming from a residence in the 3000 block of Gabriel Avenue in Zion.
Detectives obtained a search warrant for the residence and conducted the warrant in conjunction with the Illinois Attorney General’s Office on Tuesday, Covelli said.
Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office Electronic Detection Canine Grip and Lake County Sheriff’s Electronic Detection Canine Enzo assisted with the search.
Covelli said detectives seized electronics that contained child pornography and belonged to Sergio Guillen, 23, who lives in the home.
The material included images and videos of child sexual abuse and many involved children under the age of 13.
The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office approved the charges of three counts of possessing child pornography after reviewing the case. Additional charges are possible.
“Thanks to the relentless efforts of our Cyber Crimes Unit, another child predator has been identified and arrested. These types of arrests highlight the ongoing threat these offenders pose to children and the importance of staying vigilant,” Lake County Sheriff John D. Idleburg said.
“Our team works tirelessly to protect kids, but prevention starts at home. Please have regular conversations with your children about the dangers of sharing personal information or inappropriate content online,” Idleburg said.
The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office filed a petition to detain Guillen while he awaits trial.
Guillen appeared in First Appearance Court on Wednesday and was ordered to be held in the Lake County Jail until a detention hearing.
Guillen is scheduled to appear for the detention hearing on Thursday afternoon.