Human Trafficking Sting Leads To 4 Arrests In Lincolnshire: Police

LINCOLNSHIRE, IL — While conducting a two-day human trafficking demand suppression operation in the Lincolnshire area of Lake County Tuesday and Wednesday, Illinois State Police made four arrests. Police said the operation focused on identifying individuals seeking to engage in commercial sex acts.

As a result of the operation, the following individuals were arrested and charged:

• Timothy Hansen, 57, of Lake Bluff — Traveling to Meet a Minor (Class 3 Felony), Indecent Solicitation of a Child (Class 3 Felony), Solicitation to Meet a Child (Class 4 Felony), and Solicitation of a Sexual Act (Class A Misdemeanor).
• Elijah Newell, 40, of Chicago — Traveling to Meet a Minor (Class 3 Felony), Indecent Solicitation of a Child (Class 3 Felony), Solicitation to Meet a Child (Class 4 Felony), and Solicitation of a Sexual Act (Class A Misdemeanor).
• Sean Powers, 38, of Geneva — Traveling to Meet a Minor (Class 3 Felony), Indecent Solicitation of a Child (Class 3 Felony), Solicitation to Meet a Child (Class 4 Felony), and Solicitation of a Sexual Act (Class A Misdemeanor).
• Edas Romero-Chinchilla, 32, of Round Lake Heights — Traveling to Meet a Minor (Class 3 Felony), Indecent Solicitation of a Child (Class 3 Felony), Solicitation to Meet a Child (Class 4 Felony), and Solicitation of a Sexual Act (Class A Misdemeanor).

Police said the operation was part of a multifaceted approach by ISP aimed at stopping human trafficking in Illinois.

All four defendants made their first court appearance Thursday, where the State filed petitions to detain in each case, according to the Lake County State's Attorney's Office. Hansen and Newell had their detention hearings, and the judge granted the State’s petitions to detain both defendants.

Powers and Romero-Chinchillo are scheduled to have their detention hearings Friday.

Under bail reform measures, that became effective in late 2023, defendants charged with sex offenses such as those in this case are no longer able to use cash to secure release awaiting trial, according to the LCSAO. Judges assess whether the offender is a flight risk or a danger to the community in determining who is held prior to trial.

"Our anti-trafficking prosecutors, law enforcement partners, and victim support providers are making our communities safer by holding anyone responsible who would exploit others," Lake County State's Attorney Eric Rinehart said. "Their dedication sends a clear message that we will not tolerate the exploitation of vulnerable individuals. Thank you to the Illinois State Police for this proactive investigation and for their continued partnership in protecting Lake County."

According to ISP, human trafficking is the use of force, fraud, or coercion to compel a person into commercial sex acts, labor, or services against their will. ISP continues its multifaceted approach toward protecting those most vulnerable with its ongoing statewide human trafficking enforcement operations. The signs of human trafficking can be subtle; to learn more, visit Recognizing the Signs | National Human Trafficking Hotline.

If you suspect human trafficking, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text *233733. For more information visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. You can also email ISP.CrimeTips@illinois.gov.