Missing Girl Rescued After Man Travels From Georgia to Meet Her, Lake County Detectives Say
A Georgia man was arrested Saturday night after authorities said he traveled to Illinois to meet with a child reported missing from the Gurnee area.
Jordy Alexis Fuerte Perez, 24, of Norcross, Georgia, has been charged with two counts of solicitation of child pornography and one count of unlawful possession of a controlled substance. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office said more charges may be filed as the investigation continues.
Missing Girl Reported in Unincorporated Gurnee
Deputies were called around 4:40 a.m. on June 20 after receiving a report that a girl under the age of 14 was missing from unincorporated Gurnee.
Authorities said deputies were told the child had never run away before. Detectives responded to the scene and began investigating, but the girl could not be found immediately because her phone was not working.
Investigators Say Suspect Had Been Communicating With Child
During the investigation, detectives said they discovered that Fuerte Perez had previously been communicating with the girl.
Authorities alleged that he had planned to drive from Georgia to pick her up. Investigators also said Fuerte Perez had told the child he wanted a romantic relationship with her.
Public Safety Cameras Help Locate Vehicle
Investigators used public safety cameras to help track the vehicle. Authorities later located it at a forest preserve near Libertyville.
Detectives said the child and Fuerte Perez were found around 6 p.m. inside the vehicle in a parking lot.
Child Found Physically Safe
Authorities said the child appeared to be physically unharmed. She was taken to the Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center for specialized care and support.
Fuerte Perez was taken into custody at the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division.
Sheriff Calls Case a Parent’s Worst Nightmare
Lake County Sheriff John D. Idleburg described the case as the kind of situation every parent fears most.
He said that although the child may face a long process of recovery and healing, he was thankful she was found safe and appeared physically okay.
Court Appearance and Detention Request
Fuerte Perez was scheduled to appear in court on June 21.
The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office said it plans to file a petition seeking to keep him detained while he awaits trial.
The arrest of Jordy Alexis Fuerte Perez followed an urgent missing-child investigation in unincorporated Gurnee. Authorities said detectives tracked the case from early morning reports to a forest preserve near Libertyville, where the child was found physically safe. Investigators say additional charges may still be possible as the case moves forward.