Lake County Gazette

The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office has arrested Johnny M. Stewart, 18, for possessing and disseminating child pornography. The arrest followed an investigation by the Cyber Crimes Division and Special Investigations Division of the Lake County State’s Attorney's Office (LCSAO), with assistance from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators received a cyber tip indicating that child pornography was being distributed from Stewart's residence on Lincoln Avenue in North Chicago. A collaborative effort between the LCSAO and the Sheriff's Office identified Stewart as responsible for both tips received.

In July 2024, a search warrant was executed at Stewart's home. An Electronic Storage Detection K9 named Grip assisted in locating electronic devices during the search. Subsequent analysis by the LCSAO Cyber Lab uncovered several hundred files of child sexual abuse material on Stewart's cellphone.

Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart praised the efforts of all involved, stating, “Our Cyber Crimes Division and Special Investigations Division are unmatched. Our Cyber Lab team is using new technology every day to protect our children, our families, and our community." He expressed gratitude to those on "the front lines of this fight."

Sheriff John D. Idleburg emphasized the importance of protecting vulnerable populations, saying, “Protecting our most vulnerable is crucial and our Sheriff’s team will continue collaborating with our criminal justice partners to do just that."

Stewart faces three counts of Dissemination of Child Pornography (Class X Felony) and eight counts of Possession of Child Pornography (Class 2 Felony). He appeared in court today where a Petition to Detain him was filed pending case disposition. A detention hearing is scheduled for October 4, 2024.