MAHONING COUNTY – A convicted sex offender was arrested and booked into the Mahoning County Jail on Tuesday. 57-year-old Jeff Bell was arrested for violating his parole terms.
According to a Boardman Police report, Bell was witnessed following at least one child around a neighborhood in the township Monday evening. Both were riding bikes at the time. Neighbors nearby reported seeing Bell attempt to pull up beside the child several times and following for several blocks.
Bell only backed off the child when other bikers or joggers were nearby, according to the report. Neighbors reportedly intervened and brought the child home.
Bell was convicted and sentenced in 2006 after he pled guilty to three felony charges of rape. Court records indicate the victim was a minor.
Bell served a total of 18 years in prison and was required to register as a sex offender. Court records state that Bell was “found to be a sexual predator.”
It is unclear if, following Tuesday’s arrest, Bell will be charged again. He is currently in the Mahoning County Jail with no release date set.
Mugshot of Jeff Bell from July 14 arrest
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