Lake County, IL – A Glenview man was arrested following an undercover child exploitation investigation led by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), officials announced Saturday.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the operation resulted in the arrest of James W. Ropa, 65, of the 1800 block of Dewes Street in Glenview. Investigators say Ropa allegedly contacted who he believed was a 13-year-old boy on social media, not realizing the individual was an undercover detective.
During online conversations, Ropa reportedly expressed his intent to meet the “boy” and engage in sexual activity while the child’s parents were away, authorities said. When Ropa arrived at what he thought was the boy’s home in Lake County on January 28, 2026, NCIS agents and Lake County detectives were waiting. He was taken into custody without incident.
After reviewing the case, the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office approved several charges, including indecent solicitation of a child, solicitation to meet a child, traveling to meet a minor, and grooming.
Sheriff John D. Idleburg emphasized the importance of collaboration in protecting children, saying the case “underscores how effective partnerships can stop offenders before harm occurs.”
Ropa remains held in the Lake County Jail pending his next court appearance on February 18, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. in courtroom T020.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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