Joliet Man Arrested for Sex Crime Against Local Boy

Naperville police arrested a 30-year-old Joliet man Wednesday and charged him with sexual exploitation of a child after learning of the man's allegedly inappropriate relationship with a local juvenile.

Jeromey S. Ratliff, of the 300 block of Western Avenue in Joliet, was arrested shortly before 5 p.m. on an original warrant issued after Naperville Police were contacted by the victim's parents.

Ratliff befriended the victim — a young boy — at a local church, Naperville police Sgt. Gregg Bell said Friday. Ratfliff had known the boy for at least two years, said Bell, who declined to give the child's age.

"(Ratliff) is not a member of the church," Bell said. "He was just kind of hanging out there."

An investigation after the relationship was brought to detectives' attention found that Ratliff committed an inappropriate sex act with the boy April 14, police said. A warrant was then issued for his arrest.

Ratliff remained in custody around 3:30 p.m. Friday at the DuPage County Jail, where his bail was set at $5,000. He must post a $500 bond to be released.