A SWAT team breached the front door of a North Chicago home to arrest a suspect allegedly possessing over 1,000 videos of child sexual abuse after his mother refused to let deputies inside and laughed at them during a search warrant attempt, the sheriff said.
Members of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Lake County Sheriff’s SWAT and the Illinois Attorney General’s Office carried out a search warrant on Thursday in the 1100 block of Broadway Avenue in North Chicago.
Lake County Sheriff’s Office Chief Christopher Covelli said an investigation into Steven Cardenas, 26, of North Chicago, began earlier this year after detectives received information that he was possibly downloading child sexual abuse material.
At that time detectives had not developed sufficient probable cause to obtain a search warrant, Covelli said.
Detectives attempted to speak with Cardenas at his home but he refused to cooperate and told detectives to return with a warrant.
Sheriff’s detectives continued the investigation over the following months and obtained subpoenas and additional search warrants that provided sufficient probable cause to obtain a search warrant for the residence, Covelli said.
Investigators arrived on Thursday to execute the search warrant but Cardenas’ mother, Jackeline Cardenas, 56, who also resides at the home, refused repeated instructions to open the door despite being advised deputies possessed a valid search warrant, Covelli said, adding that she instead laughed at them.
Members of the Sheriff’s SWAT Team then breached the door and safely entered the residence.
Investigators seized electronic devices belonging to Steven Cardenas.
A forensic examination conducted by members of the Illinois Attorney General’s Office revealed more than 1,000 videos containing child sexual abuse material, Covelli said.
The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office approved 10 counts of possession of child pornography, a Class 2 felony, against Steven Cardenas.
“This investigation is another example of our unwavering commitment to identifying and arresting those who prey on the most vulnerable members of our community,” Lake County Sheriff John D. Idleburg said.
“Although the investigation appeared to reach a dead end earlier this year, sheriff’s detectives remained relentless in their efforts, ultimately developing enough evidence to obtain a search warrant,” Idleburg said.
“Their persistence led to the arrest of a man found to be in possession of more than 1,000 videos of child sexual abuse material,” the sheriff said.
Steven Cardenas is scheduled to appear in court on Friday morning and the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office intends to file a petition to detain him in custody while awaiting trial.
Jackeline Cardenas was charged with one count of obstructing a peace officer and transported to the Lake County Jail.