Gurnee Woodland Elementary School teacher Todd Fowler charged with disseminating child pornography, Lake County Sheriff says
Share this @internewscast.com

In Lake County, Illinois, a significant operation spearheaded by the Lake County Sheriff’s Special Investigations Group led to the arrest of 27 men as part of efforts to combat human trafficking, as reported by officials.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office detailed that the Special Investigations Group carried out a human trafficking suppression initiative over two days this week. This operation was aimed at decreasing the demand for commercial sex.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Authorities focused the operation on individuals attempting to engage in purchasing sex through online classified ads. These ads are a common method used by traffickers to exploit human trafficking victims, according to the sheriff’s office.

Undercover detectives posed as individuals offering sex for money, and when the offenders arrived at a Gurnee-area hotel and offered money for sexual acts, they were arrested and transported to the Lake County Jail.

Two of the offenders resisted arrest, the sheriff’s office said. An officer suffered minor injuries in one instance.

“These operations are about protecting victims and holding sex buyers accountable,” said Lake County Sheriff John D. Idleburg. “Suppressing the demand is a critical piece of dismantling the human trafficking pipeline. If there is no buyer, there is no market.”

Names of those arrested:
Abelardo A. Velasquez, 30, Beach Park
Robert L. Rowels, 39, Ingleside
James A. Kavinsky, 30, Niles
Jamir D. Holmes, 20, Zion
Mathew Reynolds, 23, Pleasant Prairie
Jesus S. Munoz, 35,Woodstock
Hakeem A. Moore, 22, Great Lakes
Jesus Navarrete-Vega, 30, Gurnee
Jesus M. Valdez, 28, Zion
Tyree R.L. Alexander, 32, Gurnee
Alexis M. Lopez, 31, Park City
Adrion E. Reynolds, 21, Park City
Eryk P. Plawinski, 26, Algonquin
Daevieon Garland, 21, Waukegan
Joshua L. Powell, 34, Libertyville
Daniel Corona, 29, Pleasant Prairie
Deybys Matute Moncada, 31, Zion
Charles A. Lintner, 35, Johnsburg
Argyll Piansay, 61, Gurnee
Andre L. Harevey, 41, North Chicago
Ryan P. Gibbs, 26, Libertyville
Ubaldo L. Sanchez, 28, Waukegan
Jonathan R. Litson, 45, Gurnee
Essodong Tchakpala, 25, Round Lake Beach
Adam S.W. Porwit, 26, Twin Lakes
Carl R. Weber, 35, Muskego, WI
John Garcia, 53, Kenosha

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Fraternity suspended after possible hazing leaves university student in critical condition: report

University Fraternity Faces Suspension Amid Alleged Hazing Incident: Student Critically Injured

A fraternity in New Jersey is facing suspension due to potential hazing…
Car rams into White House barricade, suspect arrested: officials

Breaking News: Security Breach at White House as Vehicle Crashes into Barricade – Suspect in Custody

On Tuesday night, authorities apprehended a suspect following an incident where a…
Fernandina Beach rejects ban on downtown paid parking

Fernandina Beach Decides Against Prohibiting Paid Parking Downtown

As discussions continue around the paid parking plan, the commissioners have decided…
Suburban High School District 214 gauging public interest in renovations that could cost up to $850M, result in property tax hike

Local High School District 214 Considers Major Renovation Plans Potentially Impacting Property Taxes

A school district in the northwest suburbs is currently seeking public input…
The Louvre reopens 3 days after one of the biggest museum heists of the century

Louvre Reopens After Daring Heist: Uncovering the Century’s Boldest Art Theft

The Louvre has once again opened its doors to visitors after a…
Bryan Kohberger says he was diagnosed with 4 mental disorders before guilty plea: report

Kohberger’s Legal Team Criticizes GoFundMe Support for Victims’ Families

In a recent development in the case of Bryan Kohberger, the convicted…
Convicted felon federally charged after threatening Atlanta airport while armed with AR-15 rifle

Armed Felon Faces Federal Charges After Threatening Atlanta Airport with AR-15: A Chilling Security Breach

A Georgia resident is facing federal charges after allegedly threatening to “shoot…
Alleged drunken driver blames fashion fail for crash that killed man on first date: report

Driver Accused of Fatal Crash Claims Wardrobe Malfunction Led to Tragedy on First Date

A tragic incident in Texas has taken an unusual turn as a…
The 22-day government shutdown is now the second-longest in US history

Historic Standoff: Unpacking the 22-Day Government Shutdown and Its Impact

The longest government shutdown on record spanned 35 days during the first…
Yeison Diaz-Gomez charged in Evanston attempted sexual assault, Chicago police arrest him related to crimes on Lunt Avenue

Evanston Attempted Assault Suspect Yeison Diaz-Gomez Arrested by Chicago Police for Lunt Avenue Crimes

CHICAGO (WLS) — A suspect has been apprehended in connection with a…
Father arrested for murder after 2-year-old son Xavier Padilla-Aguilera was swept away by Southern California floodwaters

Father Detained on Murder Charges Following Tragic Drowning of 2-Year-Old Son Xavier Padilla-Aguilera in Southern California Floodwaters

A tragic incident in Barstow, California, has led to the arrest of…
Attempted murder suspect with four prior cases walks free on $9.5K bond after brutal trail attack

Suspect in Attempted Murder, with Four Prior Charges, Released on $9.5K Bond Following Violent Trail Assault

Florida trail attack suspect escorted to sheriff’s cruiser Jacoby Tillman, a 23-year-old…