Detectives arrested a 65-year-old man after they found, with the assistance of two canines, him in possession of dozens of files of child sexual abuse material in Waukegan.
Lake County sheriff’s detectives received a tip from an email provider indicating a device in Lake County had emailed suspected child pornography, according to Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli.
Detectives began an investigation and determined the likely source was coming from an apartment in the 3300 block of Sunset Avenue in Waukegan.
Detectives obtained a search warrant for the residence and conducted the warrant with the Illinois Attorney General’s Office and Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office on Thursday.
Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office Electronic Detection Canine Grip and Lake County Sheriff’s Office Electronic Detection Canine Enzo assisted with the search.
Covelli said detectives seized electronics belonging to Thomas Castillo, 65, who lives in the residence.
An analysis of the devices showed they contained dozens of images and videos of child pornography.
Many of them involved children under the age of 13, Covelli said.
The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office approved five counts of possessing child pornography against Castillo after reviewing the facts and circumstances of the investigation. Additional charges are possible.
“Our Cybercrime Unit, including Electronic Detection K9 Enzo, is relentless in the search for child predators. This year alone, they’ve conducted dozens of investigations that have resulted in the arrests of numerous offenders preying on our children,” Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg said.
“We will continue doing everything possible to protect our children and our most vulnerable,” Idleburg said.
Castillo remains held in the Lake County Jail pending a First Appearance Court hearing on Friday morning.
The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office intends to file a petition to detain Castillo while he awaits trial.