Gurnee Man Accused Of Soliciting Sex From Child He Met Online

LAKE COUNTY, IL — A 43-year-old Gurnee man faces charges based on allegations he tried to meet up with a girl who was under 15 years old for sex.

Eddie R. Murilo, 43, of the 1500 block of Pinetree Drive in Gurnee, was taken into custody Wednesday following an undercover investigation by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office criminal investigations division, the sheriff’s special investigations group and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, authorities said.

An undercover detective posing as a girl under the age of 15 years old started talking with Murillo for several months online, officials said. During their conversations, Murillo said he wanted to have a sexual relationship with her, according to a news release from the Lake County Sheriff's Office.

On Thursday, police said that detectives, posing as the girl, arranged to meet Murillo. Murillo believed he was meeting up with the girl to engage in sexual acts and was taken into custody, according to authorities.

Murillo has been charged with traveling to meet a minor and grooming. He is expected to appear for an initial court appearance Thursday morning.

Following the arrest, Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg said detectives will continue to proactively investigate and arrest predators who "prey on our children." He also urged parents to keep a close eye on the apps children are using and know who they are talking to.