Former Guardian of Teen Accused of Pimping Her Out: Police

LAKE COUNTY, IL — A 33-year-old Round Lake Beach woman faces sex trafficking charges after she pimped out a teen who she once had legal guardianship over, authorities said. Sheila E. Johnston, 33, of the 1200 block of Sunset Drive, was allegedly nabbed by detectives Friday who responded to an advertisement she placed on a website, offering the juvenile to participate in sex acts for money. An undercover Lake County Sheriff's Office detective, posing as a client, met with Johnston and the teen at a hotel in Waukegan, according to a news release from the sheriff's office.

During the arranged 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, according to the news release.

Johnston has been charged with trafficking in persons, involuntary sexual servitude of a minor, promoting juvenile prostitution, and prostitution. The juvenile was transported to safe shelter and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services has taken protective custody of her.

Johnston remains held in the Lake County Jail pending an initial court hearing this morning.

“There is nothing more revolting than taking the innocence away from a juvenile and promoting a child for prostitution," Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg said. "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.”

The Lake County Sheriff’s Special Investigations Group first launched the long-term investigation into the sex-trafficking of a juvenile after receiving a tip from Round Lake Beach Police Department. The Gurnee Police Department provided assistance during this investigation.