A SWAT team arrested a 32-year-old man during a warrant carried out at his home in Waukegan Wednesday where investigators found him possessing thousands of files of child sexual abuse.
Francisco Ruiz, 32, of Waukegan, was charged with two counts of dissemination of child abuse material, a Class X felony, and eight counts of possessing child sexual abuse material, Class 2 felony.
An investigation began in July 2025 after the Illinois Attorney General’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) office assigned three cyber tips from a social media account to the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office for investigation.
Investigators were able to determine the suspect’s location and identity over the course of several months, prosecutors said.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) Tactical Team conducted a search warrant on Wednesday at a residence in the 400 block of McKinley Avenue in Waukegan.
Members of the LCSO Criminal Investigations Division, the state’s attorney’s office and the Waukegan Police Department searched the residence and located Ruiz inside.
Electronic Storage Detection canines Enzo and Grip assisted investigators in locating additional electronic devices, prosecutors said.
Several electronic devices were seized and examined by the Illinois Attorney General’s Digital Forensics Lab.
Prosecutors said the examination resulted in thousands of suspected files of child sexual abuse material. The charges also allege Ruiz distributed the explicit material.
Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart said his Cybercrimes Division and law enforcement partners continue to work every day to identify those who exploit children.
“This investigation demonstrates the importance of strong partnerships and why we must continue to invest in every tool possible to find critical evidence and hold those who would harm children accountable,” Rinehart said.
Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg said crimes involving the exploitation of children are “among the most disturbing we investigate.”
“Anyone who possesses or shares child sexual abuse material should know we will use every investigative resource available to identify them, build strong cases, and seek justice for the victims,” Idleburg said.
Ruiz was arrested on Wednesday afternoon and is scheduled to appear in First Appearance Court on Thursday morning.
The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office intends to file a petition to detain Ruiz in custody while the case is pending.