Lake County ICAC Team Rescues Five Children, Makes 13 Arrests

Authorities say investigations involved possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material, online enticement, sex trafficking, and more.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Lake County Sheriff's Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) team rescued at least five children from abuse and made 13 arrests in 2025 as part of ongoing efforts to combat online exploitation. Investigators were assigned more than 90 tips through the National ICAC Task Force, leading to charges related to possession and dissemination of child sexual abuse material, grooming, and indecent solicitation.

Why it matters

The ICAC team's work highlights the ongoing threat of online child exploitation and the critical role law enforcement plays in protecting vulnerable youth. Their efforts to identify new child victim series and coordinate with state and local agencies demonstrate a comprehensive approach to combating these heinous crimes.

The details

Authorities said investigations commonly involve possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material, online enticement, sex trafficking, molestation, sextortion, distribution of obscene material to minors, and deceptive online tactics used to lure children. The 13 arrests included charges related to possession and dissemination of child sexual abuse material, grooming, and indecent solicitation. Investigators also identified a new child victim series through the Child Victim Identification Program.

  • The ICAC team rescued at least five children and made 13 arrests in 2025.
  • Investigators were assigned more than 90 tips through the National ICAC Task Force in 2025.

The players

Lake County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that operates the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) team, which conducted the investigations and arrests.

John Idleburg

The sheriff of Lake County, Illinois, who oversees the ICAC team's work.

Illinois Attorney General's ICAC Task Force

The state-level task force that coordinates with the Lake County ICAC team on investigations.

Lake County State's Attorney's Office

The local prosecutor's office that works with the ICAC team on cases.

Lake County Children's Advocacy Center

The local organization that collaborates with the ICAC team during investigations.

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What’s next

The Lake County ICAC team says additional arrests are expected as several investigations remain ongoing.

The takeaway

The Lake County ICAC team's work demonstrates the ongoing battle against online child exploitation and the critical role law enforcement plays in protecting vulnerable youth. Their coordinated efforts with state and local agencies, as well as community outreach, highlight a comprehensive approach to combating these heinous crimes.