Gurnee-area man accused in child porn case

Authorities say a Gurnee-area man has been arrested on child pornography charges.

Lake County sheriff's police announced Wednesday, Feb. 4, that Charles S. Herbst, 51, of the 13000 Almaden Lane in Warren Township, was charged with 10 counts of reproducing child pornography. Police said a search warrant was served on Herbst at his home Tuesday.

Evidence seized from the home included devices capable of storing electronic media.

Police said a forensic examination of the media devices revealed thousands of images and videos identified as child pornography. It was also determined during the investigation that Herbst reproduced several photographs containing child pornography depicting children younger than 13.

Herbst remains held on $250,000 bail at the Lake County jail. He's to appear Feb. 11 for a hearing in Lake County circuit court.

“The Lake County Sheriff's Office Cyber Crimes Unit remains dedicated to searching for and arresting those who choose to victimize children through predatory surfing on the Internet or through the production and distribution of child pornography” Sheriff Mark Curran said in a statement.

Based on the extensive amount of child pornography found on Herbst's electronic media, police said, further investigation will occur to determine if additional charges will be sought.