Sex Predator Who Told Cops He Was Homeless Found Living at Motel: Prosecutor

JUSTICE, IL -- A convicted sex predator, who told Justice police that he was homeless, was arrested for failure to register a new address when it was discovered he was living in a LaGrange motel, prosecutors said Thursday in court.

John Petzold, 42, appeared before Cook County Judge Peter Felice on a felony charge of violating the Illinois Sex Offender Registry.

According to the charges, Petzold was charged with misdemeanor criminal damage to property on Oct 14 for damaging a tire in the 8500 block of West 79th Street, Justice. While in police custody, investigators learned that Petzold was living at the Rodeway Inn and Suites, 6401 Joliet Road, in unincorporated LaGrange.

Prior to his arrest, Petzold had allegedly reported to Justice police that he had been evicted from his residence and was homeless, when he was actually living in a motel. He later admitted to providing false information on his whereabouts, the prosecutor said.

“My client did not willfully not register,” the assistant public defender told the judge.

The attorney explained that Petzold now had a stable residence and was gainfully employed.

“He’s going to lose that job,” the assistant public defender said.

A pre-trial assessment recommended release with monitoring. The judge set a $25,000 I-bond with electronic monitoring. Petzold's next court appearance is Nov. 10 in Bridgeview.

According to court records, Petzold's last known address was the 8100 block of West 84th Street, Justice. He was convicted of predatory criminal sexual assault. His victim was 4 and Petzold was 31 at the time of the offense, according to the Illinois Sex Offender Registry.

John Petzold, 42 | Cook County Sheriff