Huntley Man, Woman Arrested For Sexual Conduct With A Dog: Police

HUNTLEY, IL — A Huntley couple charged in a dog sex abuse case have been released from custody since charges filed against them are not "detainable offenses" in Illinois, prosecutors said.

"Despite the abhorrent nature of these crimes, under the Pretrial Fairness Act, commonly known as the SAFE-T Act, the offense of Sexual Conduct with an Animal is not a detainable offense, and therefore, individuals charged must be released from custody pending trial," McHenry County State’s Attorney Randi Freese said in a news release over the weekend.

• 2 Charged In Dog Sex Abuse Case Released From Custody; Charges Are Not 'Detainable Offenses': Prosecutors
  

Efin J. Nolte, 23, and Katelyn E. Heiden, 27, were arrested Friday and each charged with one count of sexual conduct with an animal, the Huntley Police Department said in a statement.

According to police, in July 2025, Huntley police received a report of a video of a man engaging in inappropriate sexual contact with a dog. Upon receiving the information, police began an investigation and later confirmed that the video was created in Huntley, leading to the identification of Nolte and Heiden as suspects.

On Friday, Huntley police executed a search warrant for electronic devices belonging to the pair, authorities said. An analysis and examination were later conducted on the seized devices, police said; however, authorities did not specify what was found.

Nolte and Heiden were taken to the McHenry County Jail pending a detention hearing.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the Huntley Police Department at 847-515-5311. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling the Huntley Police Tip Line at 847-515-5333.