Dupage Policy Journal

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Downers Grove Chief of Police Michael DeVries have announced that Judge Joshua Dieden has denied pre-trial release for Derrick Willman, a Chicago registered sex offender. Willman is accused of soliciting what he believed to be a thirteen-year-old girl for sexual acts. He faces charges including Indecent Solicitation of a Child-Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse, Traveling to Meet a Minor, Child Sex Offender – Communicate Through the Internet, and Grooming.

The Downers Grove Police Department, posing as "Melissa," a thirteen-year-old girl in an online chatroom, allegedly engaged with an individual using the username “ChiGuy,” later identified as Willman. Despite being informed by "Melissa" that she was in eighth grade, it is alleged that Willman expressed his desire to meet her and sent messages of a sexual nature. Authorities discovered Willman's status as a registered sexual predator from a 2023 Minnesota case and learned he is currently on probation.

It is alleged that arrangements were made for the pair to meet on January 2, 2025. On that date, at approximately 6:10 p.m., Willman arrived at the parking lot of a Downers Grove hotel but left after about an hour without entering. Following his departure from the hotel parking lot, police conducted a traffic stop and took him into custody.

Berlin emphasized the dangers posed by predators online: “Undoubtedly, the Internet has become an easily accessible necessity... Unfortunately... this convenience comes with a price.” He urged parents to discuss Internet safety with their children and commended law enforcement's efforts in building the case against Willman.

DeVries also praised his team's work: “Their diligence over several months resulted in the arrest of a registered sex offender...” He reaffirmed the department's commitment to protecting children from harm.

Willman's next court appearance is set for January 27, 2025. The public is reminded that these charges are not proof of guilt; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.