Lake County Sheriff’s Detectives Arrest 18 Year-Old Highwood Male Following Child Exploitation Investigation

Lake County Sheriff’s Detectives received a tip from a social media provider indicating a device in Lake County shared suspected child pornography. Sheriff’s detectives began an investigation and based on their investigation determined the likely source was coming from a home in the block of 200 Sheridan Avenue, Highwood.

Lake County Sheriff’s detectives obtained a search warrant for the residence and conducted that search warrant with the Illinois Attorney General’s Office and Highwood Police Department on Thursday, January 22, 2026. Lake County Sheriff’s Electronic Detection K9 Enzo assisted with the search. During their search, detectives seized electronics that contained dozens of child pornography images and videos of children under the age of 13, belonging to Elias Carballido, 18, of the same residence.

After reviewing the facts and circumstances of the investigation, the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office approved seven counts of possessing child pornography against Carballido (Class 2 Felonies). Additional charges are possible.

“Our Cyber Crimes Unit continues to consistently target and arrest some of the most dangerous online predators. This work is deliberate, ongoing, and essential to keeping children safe. These investigations and arrests will continue to be a priority of ours in our mission to protecting our community.”

— Sheriff John D. Idleburg

Carballido remains held in the Lake County Jail pending an initial court hearing this morning. The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office intends to file a petition to detain Carballido in custody while awaiting trial.

All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

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