On January 6, 2020, a Lake County Sheriff’s Deputy was enforcing a court ordered eviction at a residence in the 0-100 block of Hilltop Avenue, Fox Lake.  One of the home’s occupants, Cathryn N. Franke, 33, (now of the 8900 block of David Place, Des Plaines), attempted to slam the door on the deputy enforcing the eviction.

The deputy entered the home and was overcome by an extraordinarily foul odor.  He located another occupant inside the home, Thomas J. Gilhooly, 38, (now of the 8900 block of David Place, Des Plaines), and advised him he needed to leave the residence.  Gilhooly and Franke left the home.

The deputy continued walking through the home, which was covered in animal urine and feces. The deputy located five deceased dogs, all in different stages of decomposition inside the home.  He also found two deceased cats in advanced stages of decomposition.    

Fox Lake Police were requested to the scene, as the home was in their jurisdiction.  Fox Lake Police and village authorities worked together to continue the investigation into Franke and Gilhooly.  Following their investigation, on March 16, 2020, Fox Lake Police Department obtained an arrest warrant for Franke and Gilhooly for seven counts of aggravated cruelty to animals (class 4 felonies).  

Following the issuance of the warrant, the Lake County Sheriff’s Warrants Team began an apprehension investigation.  On April 14, 2020, the Lake County Sheriff’s Warrants Team located Gilhooly and Franke living at a residence in the 8900 block of David Place, Des Plaines.  Both were arrested without incident and transported to the Lake County Jail.

Gilhooly and Franke remain held in the Lake County Jail on $100,000.00 bail.  Both are due back in court on April 17, 2020, at 9:00AM in courtroom T110.

All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.