Lake County Sheriff’s Detectives arrested a Deerfield man for possessing numerous images and videos of child pornography, many involving children as young as toddler age.
Lake County Sheriff’s Detectives received a tip from a social media provider, indicating a device in Lake County possessed 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 400 block of Jonquil Terrace, Deerfield.
Lake County Sheriff’s detectives obtained a search warrant for the residence and conducted that search warrant with the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office, and Deerfield Police Department, on January 15, 2026. Lake County Sheriff’s Electronic Detection K9 Enzo and State’s Attorney’s Office Electronic Detection K9 Grip assisted with the search.
During their search, detectives seized electronics that contained dozens of child pornography images and videos of children as young as toddlers, belonging to Rami M. Gabriel, 49, of the same residence.
Lake County Sheriff’s detectives also discovered evidence indicating Gabriel was communicating online with others about the forcible sexual assault of victims and expressing a sexual interest in children.
After reviewing the facts and circumstances, the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office approved 10 counts of Possession of Child Pornography (class 2 felonies) against Gabriel. The state’s attorney’s office intends to file a petition to detain Gabriel in jail while he awaits trial.
“The crimes uncovered in this investigation are deeply disturbing and represent the worst kind of exploitation of children. Through close collaboration with our law enforcement partners, our detectives acted quickly to identify an individual who posed a serious threat to the most vulnerable members of our community. We remain steadfast in our mission to identify predators, protect victims, and ensure our community knows this behavior will never be tolerated.”
— Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg
While initial charges have been filed, additional charges are likely, and sheriff’s detectives are continuing their investigation.
Anyone who believes they, or their children, may have had contact with Gabriel in a manner consistent with this investigation is encouraged to contact Lake County Sheriff’s Detectives at 847-377-4000.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office thanks the FBI–Chicago Field Office for providing a polygrapher to assist with this investigation.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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