Man Sentenced to 15 Years for 2003 Home Invasion in Downers Grove

DuPage County State’s Attorney Joseph E. Birkett announced today that Brian M. Cantua, 40 (d.o.b. 1/29/64), formerly of Lombard, was sentenced today to fifteen (15) years in prison for Home Invasion. Cantua had been found guilty on September 9, 2004 by Judge Michael Burke for the January 4, 2003 break-in of his former girlfriend’s home in Downers Grove. During the break-in, the defendant kicked in the door while brandishing a hand gun. The 40 year old victim fled the home and called the police on her cell phone. Cantua was arrested by Lombard Police after he fled to his parents’ home. The loaded weapon was recovered by the Lombard Police.

At today’s sentencing hearing, Assistant State’s Attorneys Jeff Kendall and Helen Kapas asked that Cantua be sentenced to the lengthy prison sentence based upon the seriousness of the offense and in order to deter others. "At the time of this offense, the defendant knew that an order of protection prohibited him from having contact with the victim," State’s Attorney Birkett noted. "Thankfully the victim in this case had a contingency emergency plan. Her quick thinking may well have saved her life."

State’s Attorney Birkett praised Assistant State’s Attorneys Kendall and Kapas, as well as the Downers Grove Police Department and the Lombard Police Department who did an excellent job in this case.

"Hopefully today’s sentence will act as a powerful deterrent for abusive spouses and partners."