Lake County Gazette

Four individuals, victims of human trafficking, were recently rescued in a joint operation conducted by the Lake County Sheriff's Office Special Investigations Group, the Highland Park Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Lake County State's Attorney Office.

In response to these events, the City of Highland Park issued a statement: "The alleged actions of the suspect, a resident of Highland Park, do not reflect our community’s values. As a City, we are outraged by the actions of traffickers who abuse others for personal gain. We are grateful for the partnership of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Group, the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office, and Homeland Security Investigations."

According to information released by the Lake County Sheriff's Office Special Investigation Group (SIG), the Highland Park Police Department received a tip in late January about potential human trafficking at a residence on Onwentsia Avenue. An initial investigation found that this tip had merit and led to further investigation by SIG.

The City of Highland Park reported that substantial evidence was collected indicating that Gladys Ibanez Olea, 34, from Onwentsia Avenue was allegedly involved in human trafficking. This evidence was shared with the Lake County State's Attorney's Office which subsequently approved a search warrant. A judge from Lake County authorized this warrant.

When executing this warrant on February 7th, SIG found evidence allegedly implicating Olea in trafficking four women from Mexico. Among those rescued were a 19-year-old woman and her 2-year-old son as well as a 22-year-old woman and her 15-year-old brother. All four have been relocated and are currently receiving services.

SIG also revealed that charges against Olea include eight counts of trafficking in persons (human trafficking) which are Class 1 felonies; three counts of involuntary servitude - Class 3 felonies; and four counts of involuntary servitude - Class 4 felonies.