Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
WINONA LAKE - A convicted sex offender has been seen in Winona Lake, according to Winona Lake Police Chief Malcolm Gilbert.
Jerry Hillegas, Roanoke, allegedly visited Grace College at least two times this week and stopped young women asking for directions, Gilbert said. He reportedly tried to strike up conversations with both women and may have tried to get them out of their vehicles.
One woman, who was in her car when he approached, allegedly was blocked in by his car when he pulled up beside hers.
Neither woman was injured.
Both women recognized Hillegas from a 2002 police advisory and reported him to authorities.
In 2002, Hillegas was banned from Warsaw Community Schools for allegedly trying to get high school girls into his car.
Prior convictions include rape, sexual battery, indecent exposure, criminal confinement, battery and attempted confinement.
Charges of attempted murder and battery with a deadly weapon were dismissed in 1985 and he was sentenced on lesser charges.
In the past, Hillegas allegedly has used the story that he needs directions to assault at least two women, including one he reportedly stabbed three times with an Exacto¨ knife.
Gilbert said Hillegas typically tries to get a woman isolated and then get her into his car.
He allegedly usually starts a conversation - sometimes about the woman's car and how it performs.
Christian colleges and college sporting events are reportedly a favorite place for him to target victims, police say.
Hillegas was last seen driving a four-door, 2002, silver Buick car registered to his mother.
Criminal investigations against him are ongoing in three states and in at least four Indiana counties.
He is considered dangerous, Gilber said.
