On July 12th and August 4th, 2016, the Lake County Sheriff’s Gang Task Force went undercover, arresting 4 men in a continued campaign to suppress the demand for purchased sex.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Gang Task Force and Criminal Investigations Division joined a coalition of federal and local law enforcement agencies in a nationwide operation which specifically targeted customers of prostitutes known as “Johns.”

This two-day movement was a web-based operation and utilized a classified advertising website which is regularly used as a medium for prostitution. When the “Johns” arrived and offered money to the undercover detectives for sexual acts, they were arrested and transported to the Lake County Jail.

Over the past five years, this nationwide effort has led to the arrests of more than 5,800 total “Johns” and sex traffickers.

Prostitution is not a victimless crime, it often involves human trafficking and juvenile sex trafficking. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office will continue to pursue those who choose to exchange money for sex.

The following individuals were arrested after offering money in exchange for sex (solicitation of a sexual act):

Jose M. Vargas, 39, of the 1100 block of South White Oak Lane, Waukegan
Next Court Date: August 22, 2016, 8:45AM, Courtroom C-150

Henry D. Taylor, 40, of the 2200 block of Ezekiel Avenue, Zion
Next Court Date: August 22, 2016, 9:00AM, Courtroom C-403

Salvador Hernandez, 33, of the 2200 block of Lewis Avenue, North Chicago
Next Court Date: August 25, 2016, 9:00AM, Courtroom C-404

Antioco Tlatenchi, 48, of the 1500 block of West Monroe Street, Waukegan
Next Court Date: August 18, 2016, 8:45AM, Courtroom C-150

Sheriff Curran reminds the public that the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.