Lake County deputies say they rescued a girl younger than 14 early Saturday after a 24-year-old man allegedly drove from Georgia to meet her at a Libertyville forest preserve. The child was found inside a parked car and taken for evaluation, and the driver was arrested, according to authorities.
Officials identified the suspect as 24-year-old Jordy Alexis Fuerte Perez of Norcross, Georgia. He was arrested and charged with solicitation of child pornography and unlawful possession of a controlled substance, with more charges still on the table. Deputies say they were called to the girl’s home around 4:40 a.m. Saturday after family members reported her missing and discovered she had been communicating with the man, who had planned to drive to Lake County to pick her up. Using public-safety camera technology, detectives tracked the suspect vehicle to the Independence Grove parking lot at about 6 a.m., where they found the girl and Fuerte Perez inside. The child did not appear to be injured and was taken for evaluation, according to FOX 32 Chicago.
Rescue At A Busy Forest Preserve
The vehicle was found in the parking lot at Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville, a heavily used Lake County park built around a scenic lake and miles of trails. Independence Grove is managed by the Lake County Forest Preserves, which lists visitor hours, parking details and on-site amenities on its preserve page. Lake County Forest Preserves maintains the property and visitor information for Independence Grove.
Victim Care And What Comes Next
Lake County officials said the child appeared uninjured and was taken to the Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center for a forensic evaluation and support services. The center coordinates interviews and assistance for child victims and helps streamline investigations among law-enforcement and social-service partners. Prosecutors planned to ask a judge to keep Fuerte Perez in custody as he awaited a court appearance scheduled for Sunday morning, according to FOX 32 Chicago, and additional charges are possible. Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center (Friends) outlines the center’s role in coordinated investigations and victim services.
Sheriff John D. Idleburg praised investigators for their quick response and said the Criminal Investigations Division will continue to pursue leads as the case develops. The Lake County Sheriff's Office posts official updates and contact information for tips on its website.
