Minor Sentenced to Five Years Probation in String of Robberies

WHEATON - DuPage County State’s Attorney Joseph E. Birkett announced today that one of the five minors suspected in a rash of burglaries in Elmhurst was sentenced to five years probation for his role in the crimes.  Judge Patrick Leston sentencedthe minor after he entered a plea of guilty to one count of Burglary and two counts of Residential Burglary

Between May, 2006 and January, 2007, Elmhurst experienced a string of burglaries at several residences and schools.  In all, the offenders allegedly burglarized twelve residences and five schools, all in Elmhurst.  The participants in the burglaries allegedly stole money from their residential victims and electronic equipment from the schools.  Charges are pending against the four other individuals.

“Both the number and serious nature of these offenses are very troubling,” remarked Birkett.  “It is my sincerest hope that through DuPage County’s Juvenile Justice System he will learn a valuable lesson from this experience and we will never see him in trouble with the law again.”

In addition to probation, the minor was ordered to serve 30 days in juvenile detention, pay restitution, perform 50 hours of community service and undergo any counseling deemed necessary by Probation. 

Members of the public are reminded that a juvenile petition 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.

###