HOME INVADER SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS

WHEATON - DuPage County State’s Attorney Joe Birkett announced today that Marzell Odom, 25, (d.o.b. 02/16/1982) of 15 Forest Hill, Glen Ellyn, was sentenced today to fifteen years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for his role in a 2006 home invasion at a Naperville residence.   On August 15, 2007, Odem entered a blind plea of guilty to one count of Home Invasion, a class X Felony, in front of Judge Michael Burke.

             Today’s sentencing stems from allegations that on October 27, 2006, Odom, armed with a BB gun and an accomplice, armed with machete, entered a Naperville residence.  Once inside the residence, the duo ordered their victim, a co-worker of Odom’s, to get down on the floor and remain there while they looked around the apartment.  The Victim was then told to call an acquaintance on the phone and invite him over so that the pair could rob him.  While the victim was dialing the phone however, he broke through a second story window and fled the scene.  An investigation into the matter by the Naperville Police Department led to the arrest of both Odom and his accomplice later that day.

             “I would like to thank the Naperville Police Department particularly Detective Jamie Griffith, for their extremely quick apprehension of these armed and dangerous men,” remarked Birkett.  “I would also like to thank the victim for his assistance in helping us solve this case.  With their assistance, we were able to put a very dangerous man behind bars where he belongs, unable to victimize any more innocent people in their own home.” 

             The case against Odom’s accomplice has been continued until December 12, 2007 in front of Judge Burke.

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