DuPage County State’s Attorney Joseph E. Birkett announces that Crystal G. Eagins, 24, (d.o.b. 1/26/81), of Bellwood, Illinois was charged with one count of Residential Burglary, a Class 1 Felony.
It is alleged that at the time of the offense, Eagins was employed as a nurse’s aide at the Birches, a senior assisted living facility located in Clarendon Hills. The victim is a resident at the Birches. She reported to police that she noticed the money she kept for her incidental expenses was missing from her locked apartment when she returned from the dining room. The Clarendon Hills Police Department, with the assistance of the Birches, investigated this report and after another incident of missing money from the victim’s residence, the defendant was identified and charged with the offences.
“My office is committed to protecting DuPage County’s senior citizens from those who would take advantage of them,” commented State’s Attorney Birkett. “I implore you to watch out for your elderly relatives and friends, and help protect them from falling victim to someone like this defendant.” State’s Attorney Birkett also commended Detective Ted Jenkins and Assistant State’s Attorney Mary Cronin for their outstanding efforts and thanked the Birches for its cooperation in the investigation.
If convicted, Eagins could receive a sentence of 4-15 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. The defendant appeared in bond court on June 28, 2005 and bond was set at $25,000 (10% to apply). Eagins is next scheduled to appear in court on August 2, 2005 at 8:30 a.m. in courtroom 4004 for arraignment.
Members of the public are reminded that this indictment contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
