Pedophile Convicted Of Child Abduction Attempt

MAYWOOD (CBS) -- A registered sex offender was convicted this week of trying to abduct a 12-year-old boy near a west suburban country club twice in 2011.

Jeffrey Jewitt, 30, was convicted Monday of one count of child abduction/luring and presence within a school zone by a registered sex offender, Cook County State's Attorney's office spokesman Andy Conklin said. He will be sentenced Sept. 26.

According to Illinois State Police, Jewitt has two prior convictions--child abduction/luring a child under 16, and sexual exploitation of a child under 13.

The first attempted abduction occurred July 5 2011, at the intersection of Bloomingdale and Thatcher avenues in Elmwood Park. Jewitt, of the 1600 block of South Chestnut Street in Des Plaines, allegedly drove up to the boy, who was on his bicycle, and tried to lure him into his vehicle, claiming to be a cousin of the boy's mother.

The second attempt took place July 7 2011 when Jewitt allegedly approached the boy again as he left the Oak Park Country Club at 2001 N. Thatcher Ave., where the boy had been playing tennis. The boy fled as soon as the man approached but was able to describe what he was wearing.

Elmwood Park Interim Police Chief Frank Fagiano said Jewitt was taken into custody on July 11 after a flyer with a composite sketch was released.

Fagiano said there was an initial photo lineup, and Jewitt was later placed in a physical lineup. The victim positively identified him, as well as his vehicle.