Will County sheriff's deputies arrest Joliet man on sexual assault charges

Will County sheriff deputies arrested a Joliet man Tuesday who allegedly sexually assaulted a 19-year-old man last year.

Thomas R. Staszak, 49, of the 700 block of Meadowwood Drive, was charged with criminal sexual assault, attempted criminal sexual assault and sex abuse. He was arrested at his home on a warrant. His bond was set at $50,000.

On July 12, 2016, sheriff deputies were called to a location in Joliet regarding a report of sexual assault that had just occurred. Deputies spoke with a 19-year-old man who told them he had been contacting Staszak on social media to meet with him.

Both men reportedly agreed not to engage in sexual acts. However, after meeting Staszak in his car, the 19-year-old alleged he was sexually assaulted by him.

The younger man was able to escape from Staszak's car and screamed for help. A witness who saw the victim called 911. Deputies arrived on the scene and the victim was taken to Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center, where he was treated and released from care.

Sheriff detectives were unable to locate Staszak on the social media website where he and the victim had been contacting each other. In late March, the detectives were notified of a possible match on the same website, which led them to find and positively identify Staszak, police said.