Lake County Gazette

Lake County Sheriff's detectives have arrested a Waukegan man, Thomas Castillo, 65, for possessing child pornography. The arrest followed an investigation initiated by a tip from an email provider about suspected child pornography being sent from a device in Lake County. The investigation led authorities to an apartment on the 3300 block of Sunset Avenue in Waukegan.

A search warrant was executed at the residence on September 18, 2025, with assistance from the Illinois Attorney General’s Office and the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office. During the search, electronics containing numerous images and videos of child pornography involving children under 13 were seized. Sheriff’s Electronic Detection K9 Enzo and Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office Electronic Detection K9 Grip aided in the operation.

The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office has approved five counts of possessing child pornography against Castillo, with potential for additional charges. Sheriff John D. Idleburg said, "Our Cybercrime Unit, including Electronic Detection K9 Enzo, is relentless in the search for child predators. This year alone, they’ve conducted dozens of investigations that have resulted in the arrests of numerous offenders preying on our children. We will continue doing everything possible to protect our children and our most vulnerable."

Castillo is currently held in Lake County Jail awaiting an initial court hearing. The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office plans to request his detention while he awaits trial. It is important to note that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

Information from this article can be found here.