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The Lake County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Group rescued four victims of human trafficking in conjunction with the Highland Park Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office.
In late January, the City of Highland Park Police Department received a tip regarding potential human trafficking occurring at a residence in the 500 block of Onwentsia Avenue, Highland Park. Highland Park’s initial investigation determined the tip had merit and warranted referral to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigation Group (SIG) for further investigation.
Members of SIG, Highland Park Police, and Homeland Security Investigations conducted further investigation and obtained substantial evidence showing Gladys Ibanez Olea, 34, of the above address, was engaged in human trafficking. Detectives presented the evidence obtained to the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office, which approved and drafted a search warrant for Olea’s residence. After hearing the facts and circumstances of the incident, a Lake County Judge authorized the search warrant.
On February 7, 2024, SIG, Highland Park Police, and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the search warrant. Additional evidence was located, showing Olea’s involvement in having trafficked four people from Mexico. All four victims were rescued: a 19-year-old woman and her two-year-old son, as well as a 22-year-old woman and her 15-year-old brother. All four were relocated to safety and are receiving services.
The investigation revealed Olea arranged for the four to be illegally escorted into the United States around July 2023. Neither of the adult victims knew each other at the time, nor did the juvenile victims. Olea promised housing, safety, and jobs, but after arriving, Olea took possession of their identification, money, and other goods. Olea forced the adult victims and the 15-year-old into jobs to pay off their “debt” for safe entry into the United States. The victims were forced to give the money they earned to Olea. The “debt” they owed Olea continually grew, and it appeared very unlikely they would be able to pay off the “debt.”
The victims were under the control of Olea. There were padlocks around the kitchen cabinets and refrigerator in order to control what the victims ate and when they ate. Additionally, Olea forced the 15-year-old victim to work rather than attend school, creating a fraudulent identification for him to make it appear he was 19 years old. According to statements, Olea would prevent the two-year-old from falling asleep during the day by giving him cold baths, in order to make the baby sleep longer during nighttime hours. Additionally, the victims were told their remaining family in Mexico would be killed if they did not continue to comply with Olea.
On February 13, 2024, the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office reviewed the facts and circumstances of the case. The state’s attorney’s office drafted an arrest warrant for the following charges against Olea:
Eight Counts of Trafficking in Persons (Human Trafficking) (Class 1 Felonies)
Three Counts of Involuntary Servitude (Class 3 Felonies)
Four Counts of Involuntary Servitude (Class 4 Felonies)
Additional charges are possible.
A Lake County Judge authorized the warrant, and members of SIG arrested Olea at her residence, without incident. Olea remains held in the Lake County Jail pending an initial court hearing this morning.
Sheriff John D. Idleburg said, “Human Trafficking is a real problem across the United States and right here in Lake County. I am thankful these four victims were saved from their abuser and are no longer living in fear. Traffickers prey on the vulnerabilities of their victims. They exploit their victims for personal gain. Our Special Investigations Group has rescued a number of victims over the last several years, and rescuing victims while holding traffickers accountable remains a top priority.”
Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart said, “Labor and sex trafficking are one of the most detestable crimes in our community. The Sheriff’s Department, Highland Park Police, and our federal partners collaborated successfully with our office through our Human Trafficking Task Force to bring this offender into custody. Our office is dedicated to finding, prosecuting, and incarcerating those who would use others for their own financial gain.”
Highland Park Police Chief Lou Jogmen said, “In line with the Ten Shared Principles of Public Safety, the City of Highland Park Police Department strives to provide public safety education and community engagement opportunities that build trust with our residents, businesses, and other governments, because we are all partners in keeping our community safe. This investigation began because of a community tip. It underscores how vital it is for community members to speak up if someone’s actions or behaviors seem suspicious. Together, we can work to build safer communities where everyone can thrive.”
All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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