Man found dead in jail cell

9-5-2007 Illinois:

WILMINGTON -- A convicted sex offender apparently hanged himself Sunday while being held at the police station.

Jeffrey F. Weber, 37, of 408 S. Main St. in Wilmington had been arrested on charges of domestic battery and failing to comply with the state's sex offender registry requirements when he was found hanging in a holding cell.

"He was found hanging and unresponsive," Will County Coroner Patrick K. O'Neil said.

Weber was taken to the emergency room of Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, where he was pronounced dead at 9:15 p.m.

O'Neil said results from an autopsy and toxicology tests would officially determine the cause and manner of Weber's death, but preliminary indications show he took his own life.

"There are no signs of foul play," O'Neil said.

O'Neil said Wilmington police took Weber's shoes when he was taken into custody. He apparently used a drawstring from a piece of his clothing to hang himself.

Wilmington police are investigating the incident with assistance from the Will County sheriff's office.

Weber had previously been convicted of criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual abuse and unlawful restraint.

In December 2004, he raped a Braceville woman in his Joliet home a few hours after meeting her at the Will County Courthouse.

According to state police, Weber had not registered his current address as sex offenders are required to do. ..more.. by Brian Stanley