The Lake County Sheriff’s Office reports that its Internet Crimes Against Children Team rescued at least five children and apprehended 13 people in 2025 as part of continuous efforts to combat internet exploitation.
Last year, the sheriff’s office received over 90 tips, the majority of which were child sexual abuse material, online enticement, sex trafficking, molestation, sextortion, and misleading tactics used to recruit youngsters.
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According to authorities, these crimes frequently require investigators to evaluate thousands of images and videos, sometimes tens of thousands of data in a single case.
The sheriff’s office also employs K9 Enzo, a specially trained electronic detecting dog, to discover concealed electronic storage devices.
The ICAC team made 13 arrests based on tips and saved at least five children from ongoing abuse and exploitation.
Sheriff John Idleburg said the work as challenging but necessary.
“Behind every image and every case file is a real child enduring unimaginable abuse,” Idleburg said in a statement. “In 2025 alone, our team helped rescue multiple children from continued exploitation. That is exactly why we do this work, to protect the innocent and stop predators before they can harm another child.”
More arrests may be made, according to officials, since multiple investigations are still ongoing.
