02-07-2025
Woman, 33, 'can't keep away from boy, 15, she sexually harassed - even after police issued protective order'
A 33-year-old Illinois woman has been accused of grooming a teenage boy, refusing to leave him alone even after authorities issued a protective order barring her from contact with the child.
Jessica Mills was told to stay away from the 15-year-old in March after she allegedly brought him to a motel.
Prosecutors said during a recent hearing that the teenage boy was found hiding under the bed by police.
Mills was arrested in Bloomington, a city outside of Springfield, and is still in custody as she awaits trial.
During a pre-trial hearing on June 25, prosecutors tacked on an additional charge of grooming, which is a Class 4 felony.
Sexually explicit videos and inappropriate text messages from Mills were allegedly found on the teen's phone.
Prosecutors also accused Mills of talking about her relationship with the teenager during phone calls she made from jail.
Mills is facing a Class 4 felony for grooming under Illinois law, which is probation eligible, according to the McLean County State Attorney's Office.
No further background on the protective order or how Mills' knew her alleged victim has been shared.
Mills will remain in custody at the McLean County Detention Facility in Bloomington.
The state's attorney's office said her ongoing detention will continue to be evaluated by a judge.
Mills is scheduled for her next court hearing on July 8 with Judge William Yodler, who will decide if her detention is still necessary.
She has already appeared in court for three pre-trial hearing and has pled not guilty to the crimes.
If she's found guilty, Mills could be sentenced to the Illinois Department of Corrections for one to three years.
According to McLean County Court records, Mills served jail time and was sentenced to 48 months' probation on burglary and looting charges in 2020.
She was also arrested for domestic battery in March of 2021. The charge is a Class A criminal misdemeanor.
A Facebook profile associated with her first and middle name listed her occupation as a co-owner and designer at a craft store.
Her relationship status says she's been in a relationship since July 11, 2024.
