Chicago man accused of trying to solicit teen for sex to be held in jail, judge orders

DUPAGE CO., Ill. - A DuPage County judge ordered a Chicago man who’s been accused of trying to solicit a teen girl for sex to be held in jail.

Judge Joshua Dieden granted prosecutors’ motion to deny pre-trial release for Derrick Willman, 58, a registered sex offender, according to the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Willman appeared in court last Friday after being charged with indecent solicitation of a child-aggravated criminal sexual abuse, traveling to meet a minor, communicating through the internet as a child sex offender, and grooming.

Derrick Willman, 58

Prosecutors said Downers Grove police posed as "Melissa," a 13-year-old girl, in an online chatroom and were contacted by Willman. Despite "Melissa" telling Willman that she was in the eighth grade, he said he wanted to meet her.

Willman allegedly asked "u want to make love?" and sent other messages of a sexual nature to "Melissa," prosecutors said.

After he sent a photo of himself, police learned he is required to register as a sexual predator for life after a 2023 conviction in Minnesota for soliciting a child.

Willman allegedly arranged to meet with "Melissa" last Thursday.

Around 6:10 p.m. on Thursday, Willman allegedly arrived at the parking lot of a Downers Grove hotel where he agreed to meet. He did not go into the hotel and left the parking lot about one hour later.

After he left, Downers Grove police stopped Willman's car and arrested him.

"Undoubtedly, the Internet has become an easily accessible necessity and a part of the everyday lives of millions of people," said DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin in a statement. "Unfortunately, this convenience and society’s reliance on the Internet comes with a price. While this case did not involve a thirteen-year-old girl, it serves as a reminder to us all how easy it can be for predators, as alleged in this case, to reach our children without their parents’ knowledge."

Willman’s next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 27.