Woman Charged With Human Trafficking After Victims Rescued From Highland Park Home: Police

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — A joint investigation by local and federal authorities led to the arrest of a Highland Park woman and the rescue of four four people she trafficked into the United States and forced into servitude, the sheriff's office announced.

Gladys Ibanez Olea, 34, of the 500 block of Onwentsia Avenue, has been charged with eight counts of human trafficking, a class 1 felony, three counts of class 3 felony involuntary servitude and four counts of class 4 felony involuntary servitude.

Late last month, Highland Park police were tipped off to possible human trafficking in town and, after determining the tip had merit, referred the investigation to the Lake County Sheriff's Office's Special Investigations Group.

Investigators from the sheriff's office, local police and Homeland Security Investigations, a division of U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, began investigating and found "substantial evidence" indicating that a Highland Park woman was engaged in trafficking, according to the sheriff's office.

"This investigation began because of a community tip," Highland Park Police Chief Lou Jogmen said in a statement. "It underscores how vital it is for community members to speak up if someone’s actions or behaviors seem suspicious. Together, we can work to build safer communities where everyone can thrive.”

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Detectives carried out a court-authorized search of Olea's home on Feb. 7, the sheriff's office announced. Investigators found evidence showing that she had trafficked four people who came to the country from Mexico illegally around July 2023 — a 22-year-old woman and her 15-year-old brother, as well as a 19-year-old woman and her 2-year-old son.

Olea had promised housing, safety and jobs to the migrants, authorities said. But instead, she allegedly seized their IDs, cash and property and forced all but the toddler into jobs to pay off a continually growing "debt" to her for facilitating their unlawful entry.

Her victims were allegedly told their family in Mexico would be killed if they did not follow her demands.

According to the sheriff's office, investigators found Olea's kitchen cabinets and refrigerator were padlocked so she could control what her victims ate. She allegedly created fake identification to allow the 15-year-old boy to work as an adult.

As for the youngest child, Olea would give him cold baths during the day to deprive him of sleep and make him sleep longer at night, according to the sheriff's office.

All four trafficking victims have been relocated to safety and are receiving services, a sheriff's office spokesperson said. Olea, who may face additional charges, remains held at the Lake County Jail pending an initial court appearance.

Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg said his office's special operations group had rescued "a number of victims" over the past several years.

“Human Trafficking is a real problem across the United States and right here in Lake County. I am thankful these four victims were saved from their abuser and are no longer living in fear," Idleburg said. "Traffickers prey on the vulnerabilities of their victims. They exploit their victims for personal gain.”

Lake County State's Attorney Eric Rinehart said his office was dedicated to incarcerating people who exploit others to enrich themselves.

“Labor and sex trafficking are one of the most detestable crimes in our community. The Sheriff’s Department, Highland Park Police, and our federal partners collaborated successfully with our office through our Human Trafficking Task Force to bring this offender into custody. Our office is dedicated to finding, prosecuting, and incarcerating those who would use others for their own financial gain.”

In a statement, Highland Park city staff said Olea's alleged actions "do not reflect our community's values."