A Waukegan man was taken into custody Wednesday after detectives found he distributed horrific images and videos online of children, as young as toddlers, being sexually abused.
Lake County Sheriff’s Office detectives and Lake County State’s Attorney investigators initiated an investigation after they became aware that child sexual abuse material was being shared from an electronic device in Waukegan, according to Lake County Sheriff’s Office Chief Christopher Covelli.
Detectives learned the device was located at an apartment in the 2600 block of West Cornelia Avenue in Waukegan.
Detectives obtained a search warrant for the residence and carried out the search warrant on Wednesday, Covelli said.
Electronic Detection Sheriff’s Canine Enzo and State’s Attorney’s Canine Grip assisted.
Covelli said electronic devices were located belonging to Michael A. Bray, 39, who lives in the apartment.
Detectives determined Bray was responsible for downloading and sharing sexual abuse material of victims as young as toddlers, Covelli said.
The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office charged Bray with 10 counts of disseminating child sexual abuse material, a Class X felony, after reviewing the facts and circumstances of the investigation.
“Every image and video in cases like this represents the victimization and exploitation of a child. Our Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force works tirelessly to identify those responsible, rescue victims, and ensure predators are held fully accountable for their actions,” Lake County Sheriff John D. Idleburg said.
“We remain committed to protecting children in our communities and aggressively pursuing anyone who exploits them online,” Idleburg said.
Bray was transported to the Lake County Jail where he remains held pending a First Appearance Court hearing on Thursday morning.
The state’s attorney’s office intends to file a petition to detain Bray in custody while he awaits trial.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office thanked the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office, the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, the Waukegan Police Department and the Woodstock Police Department for their assistance in the investigation.