Libertyville Man Helped Operate Chicago Brothel, Police Say

LIBERTYVILLE, IL — Two men, including one from Libertyville, have been arrested and charged with promoting prostitution after police said they were operating a brothel in Chicago.

Antonio Sanchez Cortes, 34, has been charged in connection with the brothel, which Cook County Sheriff’s Department officials said Cortes operated. The residential brothel was discovered through a joint investigation of the Cook County Sheriff's Department and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Cook County deputies executed a search warrant of a Chicago apartment last week after law enforcement officials learned that patrons were going to the residents and paying for sex, police said.

During the execution of the search warrant, investigators found items consistent with the operation of a brothel, including financial items and documents, police said. Investigators also seized two guns, including a Glock with a switch that made the weapon fully automatic, police said in a news release on Tuesday.

Two women were also found at the apartment, which is located in the 4800 block of Roscoe Street. The victims were offered services by the Sheriff’s Police advocate specialists, who were on scene.

Police also found Joseangel Villagran, 22, who was found to be working as the brothel’s doorman, police said. Villagran lived at the apartment building and was charged with promoting prostitution as well as aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, police said. Both charges are felonies.

Cortes was taken into custody following a traffic stop in Libertyville, police said. Police said Cortes had a phone in his possession that was used to operate the brothel and was charged with promoting prostitution.

Both men appeared in court last week and bond was set at $30,000 for Villagran and $20,000 for Cortes.