Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul has announced charges against five men involved in a burglary ring responsible for stealing dozens of video gaming machines across the state, including in Peoria and Tazewell counties.
The accused—John Friedrich, 35, of Streator; Joseph Montoro, 39, of Berwyn; Sebastian Perez, 41, of Chicago; Jacob Sickel, 20, of Brookfield; and Don Wiley, 53, of University Park—face multiple felony charges, including theft, money laundering, burglary, and attempted burglary.
For more details on the charges, visit Journal Star.
The ring allegedly targeted gas stations, bars, and small video gaming parlors, committing 22 burglaries in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Champaign, Lake, Tazewell, DeWitt, Peoria, Kankakee, McLean, and Will counties. Over $100,000 was reportedly stolen from the machines between January and November 2023.
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The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) played a crucial role in the investigation, referring the case to the Attorney General’s office.
IGB Administrator Marcus Fruchter commended the collaboration, emphasizing the importance of such partnerships in maintaining the integrity and safety of gaming in Illinois.