Lake County Police Dog Helps In Lake Co. Child Porn Probe

LAKE COUNTY, IL — A Lake County police dog is being credited with helping bust a Lake County teen accused of possessing and disseminating child pornography.

Johnny Stewart, 18, of North Chicago, now faces three counts of dissemination of child pornography and eight counts of possession of child pornography following his arrest Thursday, police said.

Lake County Sheriff's Office K9 officer Grip helped find the electronic devices Stewart is accused of using to store hundreds of files of child sexual abuse during a search of his home in the 1500 block of Lincoln Avenue in July, according to a news release from the state's attorney's office. The Lake County State's Attorney's Office Cyber Lab analyzed the devices and found the child pornography on his cell phone.

“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. We owe Sheriff’s investigators, LCSAO Investigators, and Grip a debt of gratitude for being on the front lines of this fight to catch and prosecute those who would exploit others,” said Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart.

Stewart appeared for his initial court appearance Friday morning and the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office filed a petition to detain Stewart, according to a news release. A detention hearing is scheduled for Friday.