Former LC Juvenile Detention Officer Charged With Sexual Misconduct And Trafficking With Inmate
Andrea Rebeles, 25, of Whiting, is facing felony charges after authorities allege she engaged in a sexual relationship with a juvenile inmate and trafficked contraband while working as a detention officer at the Lake County Juvenile Center in Crown Point.
According to court documents, the investigation began in January 2025 after correctional staff discovered a cell phone and a vape pen that tested positive for THC inside a juvenile inmate’s room during a search at the facility.
Investigators learned that two juvenile inmates were allegedly receiving fast food, candy, and other contraband from corrections officers while housed at the facility.
During the investigation, one juvenile inmate told authorities he began communicating with Rebeles while he was housed at the juvenile center and that their relationship became sexual on November 2, 2024, when he was 17 years old.
The juvenile told investigators the sexual encounters occurred inside a room used for phone calls where there were no cameras, and he alleged the encounters continued during later phone-call periods.
According to court documents, the juvenile also told investigators Rebeles later showed him an ultrasound photo and said she was pregnant with his child. The juvenile said Rebeles later told him she obtained an abortion at a clinic in Chicago.
Investigators also reviewed phone calls, text messages, and video communications between the juvenile and an account investigators determined Rebeles used to communicate with him after he was transferred to the Lake County Jail. In one recorded call referenced in court documents, the female believed to be Rebeles answered the phone saying “Baby? Is that you?”.
Authorities also allege Rebeles brought the juvenile snacks and a THC vape pen, which he said he shared with another inmate.
Court documents state Rebeles worked at the Lake County Juvenile Center from March 11, 2024, until her resignation on January 20, 2025.
Lodged in the Lake County Jail on March 3,2026.
Charges filed March 3,2026:
• Sexual Misconduct With a Minor — Level 4 Felony
• Trafficking With an Inmate Involving a Controlled Substance — Level 5 Felony
• Trafficking With an Inmate — Class A Misdemeanor
Court records show Rebeles also has another pending Lake County case filed January 16, 2026, alleging:
• Sexual Misconduct With a Person Subject to Lawful Detention — Level 5 Felony
• Official Misconduct — Level 6 Felony
