THE FOLLOWING IS A VERMILION COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT RELEASE

On Friday, November 8, 2024 the Vermilion County Sheriff’s Department was contacted by the Knox County, IL Sheriff’s Department.  Knox County deputies indicated that they had been communicating with 38 year old Ryan Loveless of Hilliard, Ohio online.  Loveless believed he was speaking to a 15 year old girl and made arrangements to travel to Illinois to meet the 15 year old for sex.  Loveless was not willing to travel to Galesburg, IL and suggested the girl meet him in Danville, IL.  Knox County obtained an arrest warrant for Loveless and Vermilion County deputies located him in the parking lot of a hotel on Lynch Road in Danville.  Loveless was taken into custody without incident and returned to Knox County, IL.  Loveless had his 11 month old child with him while he was traveling to meet the minor child for sex.

The Vermilion County Sheriff’s Department reminds parents to monitor their child’s online activity.  Predators are constantly using the internet to groom children and solicit them for nude photographs or to meet in person.  If you discover that your child is communicating with a stranger that has made these requests, report the incident to law enforcement immediately.  Do not notify the suspect or report the incident to the social media company as this will make it difficult for law enforcement to obtain evidence needed to prosecute the crime.