Police: Braidwood man had sex with teen he met online

BRAIDWOOD – Police say a 22-year-old parolee had a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old Braidwood girl.

Jason M. Escalante, of the 100 block of North Hickory Street, met the girl through Facebook and had been in contact with her for at least three months, according to Chief Nick Ficarello.

About two weeks ago, the girl's friends notified school staff, who then called investigators, Ficarello said.

"We found text messages showing there was an ongoing relationship of a sexual nature," Ficarello said.

When police located Escalante about 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, he was at Goodrich Park on Maple Street with a 17-year-old girl in his car, Ficarello said.

"We also have reason to believe he has had contact with another 15-year-old girl from the area and are investigating that relationship as well," Ficarello said.

According to the Department of Corrections, Escalante is on parole for a 2014 burglary conviction in Will County.

Escalante was arrested on charges of aggravated criminal sexual assault and sexual exploitation of a minor and booked into the Will County jail.