The LCSAO Investigators and Sheriff’s Investigators conducted an investigation after receiving a cyber tip that child pornography was being uploaded to an online cloud storage from Paz-Hernandez's residence in the 3000 block of Kathe Lane in Waukegan.  

LCSAO Electronic Storage Detection (ESD) K9 Grip, and LCSO K9 Tera, assisted during the search and helped locate electronic devices.   

After seizing Paz-Hernandez's electronic devices, the LCSAO Cyber Lab conducted an analysis on the devices and discovered several files of child sexual abuse material on Paz-Hernandez's computer and an online storage account.

The LCSAO approved 10 counts of Child Pornography (Class 2 Felony) and filed a Petition to Detain Paz-Hernandez pending the disposition of the case. Additional charges may be filed pending the completion of the forensic analysis. 

“With new technology and a dedicated team in our office, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, and alongside all our law enforcement partners, we will locate and apprehend those who threaten the safety of our children and our community. Our prosecutors will hold them accountable in the courtroom,” said Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart.  

Sheriff John D. Idleburg said, “This arrest highlights the exceptional work of our detectives and the critical collaboration between the Lake County Sheriff's Office, the Lake County State's Attorney's Office, and the Illinois Attorney General's Office. By combining our resources, including our sheriff’s electronics detection canine, K9 Tera(byte), we are unwavering in our commitment to identifying and apprehending individuals who exploit and harm children. We will always invest our resources on protecting the most vulnerable members of our community.” 

At the time of his arrest, Paz-Hernandez had recently been charged with Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse, a Class 2 felony, in two separate cases. He was released on pre-trial conditions after a judge denied the State’s petition to detain him on December 12, 2024. 

This morning, the State filed a Petition to Detain Paz-Hernandez pending the disposition of this case and a motion to revoke his pre-trial release on the other two pending cases. A detention hearing was scheduled for today, but was continued to Monday, December 23, 2024, at 1:30 p.m.