The Lake County Special Investigations Group, in collaboration with the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, continued their efforts to expose suspects involved in a human trafficking operation that was initially exposed by a tip in July 2019. As the extensive investigation progressed, new evidence and witnesses came to light, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. These developments provided investigators with enough proof to link Jose Puga, 51, of the block of 3000 Schuette Drive, Wonder Lake to the crimes committed against a 15-year-old female human trafficking victim.
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)
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.
“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.”
— Sheriff John D. Idleburg
All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
DEVELOPED INITIAL REPORT
Co-conspirator of Puga Already Convicted
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, Lake County Sheriff’s Special Investigations Group Detectives discovered Sheila E. Johnston, 33, of the block of 1200 Sunset Drive, Round Lake Beach, was potentially pimping a 15-year-old girl, who she previously held legal guardianship over.
On Friday, 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 allegedly 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 actually an undercover Lake County 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.
Sheila E. Johnston was subsequently charged with:
Trafficking in Persons, Involuntary Sexual Servitude of a Minor (Class X Felony)
Promoting Juvenile Prostitution (Class 1 Felony)
Prostitution (Class A Misdemeanor)
Johnston remained held in the Lake County Jail pending an initial court hearing this morning.
Sheila E. Johnston was convicted of Involuntary Sexual Servitude of a Minor (Class X Felony), and was admitted to the Logan Correction Correctional Center on June 2, 2022. Johnston was sentenced 15 years, and was required to register as a sex offender. Her Projected Parole Date is December 28, 2028, and her Projected Discharge Date is December 28, 2031.
“There is nothing more revolting than taking the innocence away from a juvenile and promoting a child for prostitution. I am very proud of the collaboration which went into this investigation to identify and arrest a sexual trafficker, while rescuing a juvenile. In addition to seeking drug pushers, gun traffickers, and other violent felons, our Special Investigations Group will work tirelessly to arrest those who force juveniles or adults into sexual servitude.”
— Sheriff John Idleburg
All suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Gurnee Police Department provided assistance during this investigation.
Date of Birth: 03/14/1986
Weight: 154 lbs.
Hair: Brown
Sex: Female
Height: 5 ft. 02 in.
Race: White
Eyes: Hazel
Sheila E. Johnston has the following tattoos
Left thigh – “RAVEN”
Left Ankle – DOLPHIN
Back – STAR “LAKESHA”
Chest – LOTUS FLOWER
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