7 Arrested In Lake Co. Prostitution Sting

LAKE COUNTY, IL -- Eight Lake County men have been charged after undercover authorities allegedly busted them for attempting to purchase sex this past month, police said Wednesday. The Lake County Sheriff's Gang Task Force joined a coalition of federal and local law enforcement agencies in a nationwide operation, which specifically targeted customers of prostitutes known as “Johns.” The web-based operation utilized a classified advertising website, regularly used as a medium for prostitution, according to a news release from the sheriff's office.

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When the “Johns” arrived and offered money to the undercover detectives for sexual acts, they were arrested and transported to the Lake County Jail, according to police.

The following men were arrested in the 4100 block of Fountain Square Place in Waukegan during the August undercover sting and have been charged with solicitation of a sex act:

• Alexis Torres, 47, of the 1000 block of Merton Avenue, Waukegan

• David Brown, 45, of the 6200 block of 12th Avenue, Kenosha, Wisconsin

• Efren Renedo, 18, of the 3000 block of West Grandville Avenue, Waukegan

• Jaime Gonzalez, 21, of the 1200 block of Witchwood Court, Round Lake Beach

• Purnell Caradine, 39, of the 12800 block of 71st Street, Kenosha, Wisconsin

• Randall Nesst, 59, of the of the 3500 block of South McIntosh Lane, New Berlin, Wisconsin

• Scott Walker, 27, of the 10200 block of West Pickford Avenue, Beach Park

• Andrew Desmedt, 44, of the 900 block of Goodwin Drive, Park Ridge

Desmedt was also charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, a class 1 felony; and unlawful possession of a controlled substance, a class 4 felony. Desmedt posted 10 percent of his $10,000 bond and is due back in court on October 11.

The rest of the alleged "Johns" are next expected in court on September 10.

Over the past seven years, the nationwide effort targeting those who pay for sex has led to the arrests of more than 8,000 total “Johns” and sex traffickers, authorities said Wednesday.

“There is a clear link between prostitution and human trafficking. Human trafficking exists even here in Lake County, and the traffickers often prey on our most vulnerable," Sheriff Mark Curran said. "Over the last two years the Lake County Sheriff’s Gang Task Force has successfully rescued five women being trafficked.”

PHOTO VIA LAKE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE/SHUTTERSTOCK

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