Waukegan, IL – Specialized electronic detection dogs were credited with helping Lake County investigators uncover dozens of child pornography files that led to the arrest of a 65-year-old Waukegan man this week.
According to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, detectives obtained a search warrant September 18 for an apartment in the 3300 block of Sunset Avenue following a cyber tip. Sheriff’s Electronic Detection K9 Enzo and the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office K9 Grip assisted during the search, alerting deputies to electronic devices allegedly containing images and videos of children under the age of 13.
The search was conducted alongside the Illinois Attorney General’s Office and Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office. Officials say the dogs’ ability to detect electronic storage devices was critical in locating evidence inside the residence.
Detectives identified the resident as Thomas Castillo, 65, who is now facing five counts of possessing child pornography. The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office said additional charges are possible.
Sheriff John D. Idleburg praised the K9 teams, noting that their work has been vital in protecting children. “Our Cybercrime Unit, including Electronic Detection K9 Enzo, is relentless in the search for child predators,” Idleburg said. “This year alone, they’ve assisted in dozens of investigations leading to arrests.”
Castillo was booked into the Lake County Jail and appeared in bond court Thursday morning. Prosecutors have filed a petition seeking to detain him pending trial.
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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