By PF Staff
info@purofutbolonline.com
The Lake County Special Investigations Group, in collaboration with the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, continued their efforts to expose those involved in this human trafficking operation. As the extensive investigation progressed, new evidence and witnesses came to light. These developments provided investigators with enough proof to link Jose Puga, 51, of the 3000 block of Schuette Dr, Wonder Lake to the crimes committed against the 15-year-old girl.
The case, along with the newly uncovered evidence, was then presented to the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office, which approved the following charges:
Three counts of Involuntary Sexual Servitude of a Minor (Class X Felony). Three counts of Trafficking in Persons (Class 1 Felony) and, six counts of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse (Class 2 Felony)
An arrest warrant was issued for Jose Puga and on March 25th, 2025, he surrendered himself to the Lake County Jail. A detention hearing is scheduled for March 25th, 2025, at 1:30 pm.
Sheriff John D. Idleburg said, “This case is yet another example of the outstanding results that can be achieved through the partnership between the Lake County Special Investigations Group and the FBI. While the investigation was lengthy, the relentless dedication of the investigators ensured that those responsible for victimizing this child were brought to justice.”
All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Round Lake Beach Woman Arrested for Sexual Trafficking of a Juvenile (issued 07/13/19)
The Lake County Sheriff’s Special Investigations Group concluded a long-term investigation into the sex-trafficking of a juvenile, after receiving a tip from Round Lake Beach Police. During the course of the investigation, Sheriff’s Special Investigations Group Detectives discovered Sheila E. Johnston, 33, of the 1200 block of Sunset Drive, Round Lake Beach, was potentially pimping a 15-year-old girl, who previously held legal guardianship over.
On July 12, 2019, Johnston posted an advertisement on a website offering the juvenile to participate in sexual acts in exchange for money. Undercover Sheriff’s Detectives communicated with Johnston, and she agreed to offering the juvenile and herself to engage in sexual acts in exchange for money.
Johnston trafficked the juvenile to a hotel in Waukegan, where she met with who she thought was a customer, but was really an undercover Sheriff’s Detective. During the meeting Johnston offered both herself and the juvenile to engage in sexual acts for money. Following the agreement, Johnston was placed under arrest and the juvenile was taken into protective custody.
The juvenile was transported to safe shelter and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) has taken protective custody of her.