Above / The Naperville Police seek information from anyone who has had contact with Gabriel D. Melendez-Morales. Individuals with info are asked to call Det. Gibler at (630) 305-5453. (PN File Photos are used to attract attention to public safety reports as a way to remind local residents that “keeping our community safe is everyone’s responsibility.” Remember, whenever you see something suspicious, say sometime by calling 9-1-1.)
UPDATE, Jan. 7, 2019 / An ongoing investigation by Naperville Police stemming from last week’s arrest of Gabriel D. Melendez-Morales, 27, of Chicago, has led to two additional charges of felony Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse.
Melendez-Morales, of the 3300 block of Irving Park Road, Chicago, was first arrested on Dec. 30 on three felony counts of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse for allegedly having sex with a minor at a motel in the 1500 block of Naperville Road, Naperville, on Dec. 7 and 16.
Detectives investigating that case identified and located a second, unrelated minor victim, who Melendez-Morales is accused of having sex with at the same Naperville motel, also on Dec. 7. As a result of this additional incident, Melendez-Morales was arrested a second time on Jan. 6 (2020) on two additional felony counts of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse.
Educate youngsters regarding dangers of interacting with strangers on social media
In both cases, the minor victim and Melendez-Morales met on social media. Detectives continue to investigate the possibility that there are additional unidentified victims and encourage parents and family members to educate their children on the dangers of interacting with strangers on social media.
Anyone having information or contact with Melendez-Morales is asked to call Det. Gibler at (630) 305-5453.
Original Post, Dec. 31, 2019 / On December 30, 2019, Naperville Police Department Investigators arrested Gabriel D. Melendez-Morales, 27, of the 3300 block of Irving Park Road, Chicago.
Melendez-Morales is charged with three (3) felony counts of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse. He was transported to the DuPage County Jail to await his bond hearing.
These charges are the result of an investigation stemming from incidents that occurred on December 7 and 16, 2019, where Melendez-Morales is accused of having sex with a minor at a motel in the 1500 block of Naperville Road, Naperville. The victim and Melendez-Morales met on social media, and detectives are investigating the possibility that there are additional unidentified victims.
“It is alleged that Mr. Melendez-Morales met his minor victim on social media and just days later arranged to meet her at a hotel where he sexually abused her,” State’s Attorney Robert Berlin said. “This type of deviant behavior will not be tolerated, and anyone suspected of preying on our children for sexual gratification will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
“I would like to commend the actions of our Major Crimes Investigations Section, for their quick actions leading to the arrest of a serious threat to our children,” said Naperville Police Deputy Chief Kathy Anderson.
Melendez-Morales appeared in Bond Court this afternoon where Judge Brian Telander set bond at $100,000 with 10 percent to apply. Melendez-Morales is scheduled for arraignment January 27, 2020.
Anyone having information or contact with Melendez-Morales is asked to call Det. Gibler at (630) 305-5453.
The Naperville Police wish to remind the public and the news media that a charge is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Reports submitted by Commander Mike Son, Public Information Officer, for the Naperville Police Department.
