Woman Arrested In Child Sexual Abuse Material Investigation

ZION, IL — A 25-year-old Zion woman was arrested after Lake County Sheriff’s detectives investigating the distribution of child sexual abuse material allegedly found illegal images and videos on electronic devices belonging to her, authorities said.

The investigation began after the sheriff’s office became aware that images and videos involving children under 13 were being shared from an electronic device in Zion. Detectives determined the device was located at a home in the 1700 block of Joppa Avenue.

Detectives obtained a search warrant for the residence and conducted the search Thursday with assistance from Electronic Detection Canine Enzo, State’s Attorney Electronic Detection Canine Grip and the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, according to the sheriff’s office.

During the search, detectives seized electronic devices belonging to Rebekah Denise Smith, 25, of the Joppa Avenue address. Authorities said the devices contained child sexual abuse material.

The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office approved two counts of possession of child pornography, both Class 2 felonies, authorities said.

Smith was scheduled to appear in court Friday morning.

“There is no higher priority than protecting children from those who seek to exploit them,” Sheriff John D. Idleburg said in a statement. “I am incredibly proud of the work of our Internet Crimes Against Children Team and their continued efforts to identify and apprehend individuals who believe they can use the internet to prey upon children.”

Idleburg said the sheriff’s office will continue dedicating resources to identifying and arresting people accused of exploiting children online.