Grayslake man who shares home with daycare busted with over 1,000 videos, photos of child porn
GRAYSLAKE, Ill. - Lake County Sheriff's detectives arrested a suburban man who shares a residence with a child daycare after discovering over 1,000 videos and images of child pornography.
Jose Real, 52, was charged with several counts of possession of child pornography after an investigation into suspicious downloads originating from his residence.
The investigation began after sheriff’s detectives received information that child pornography was being downloaded and shared from a home in the 1200 block of Chesterfield Lane in Grayslake.
On July 19, authorities executed a search warrant at the residence. As detectives entered the home, Real tried to hide his cellphone in a potted plant, which was quickly discovered and seized by officers, according to the sheriff's office.
A forensic examination of Real’s phone revealed a vast collection of illicit material, including content involving very young children and infants. Investigators concluded that Real was responsible for the downloading and sharing of child pornography.
On Tuesday, an arrest warrant was issued for Real, charging him with three counts of possession of child pornography involving children under 13 years old, each a Class 2 felony. He was arrested without incident the next day and was denied pre-trial release pending his trial.
Detectives discovered that a family member of Real operates a daycare from the same residence. Investigations are ongoing to determine if any of the materials found are connected to children under the care of the daycare facility. The daycare has since been shut down, and the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) has been notified.
"With the SAFE-T Act, we are able to keep our children safe from predators like this one. Under the cash system, based on preliminary data, seven out of every 10 offenders charged with child pornography were posting large amounts of cash and getting out on bail. Ever since the SAFE-T Act went into effect, we have held EVERY offender being charged with possession of child pornography," Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart said in a statement.
Real is due back in court on August 29. Officials said additional charges are likely.