Arraignment in Lake Co. child porn case delayed for mental evaluation

The arraignment of a Chicago man on child pornography charges was delayed Wednesday so Lake County officials can evaluate his mental health.

Benito Martinez, 27, is charged with convincing a 12-year-old Grayslake girl to send him pictures of herself naked.

During the court appearance, Martinez's attorney John Sdralis of Chicago asked Circuit Judge John Phillips to hold off on a formal reading of the charges against his client and an entry of a plea.

Sdralis said Martinez receives disability payments for mental health problems, and has the mental ability of a seventh grade student. He asked Phillips for a mental health evaluation before any further legal proceedings in the case, and Assistant State's Attorney Mary Stanton did not object to the move.

Stanton said Martinez and the girl became acquainted through the Internet, and he began sending the girl text messages on Oct. 26.

During the course of six hours, Stanton said, Martinez repeatedly asked the girl for photographs of herself naked and she initially refused his requests.

However, Stanton said, she eventually relented and sent two such photographs to Martinez.

The girl's mother found the series of messages and notified police, who traced the messages to Martinez and arrested him.

He is charged with possession of child pornography and faces up to five years in prison if convicted.

Phillips ordered the parties to return to court March 9 for a review of the evaluation.