Johnathan Byars, 26, of Chicago, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for orchestrating and participating in a series of armed robberies targeting cell phone stores across Illinois in 2019 and 2020.
Byars and his co-conspirators committed six robberies and two attempted robberies in various cities, including Lansing, Bloomington, Rockford, Joliet, Coal City, and Mokena. During these incidents, firearms were used to threaten and assault employees while cash, phones, and merchandise were stolen.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Theodora Anderson emphasized the severity of Byars’ crimes, highlighting the danger he posed to the community and the multiple victims affected by his actions.
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Acting U.S. Attorney Morris Pasqual and ATF Special Agent-in-Charge Christopher Amon announced the sentence. The investigation was a collaborative effort involving multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Illinois State Police and several local police departments.
Four other defendants involved in the robbery spree have also been convicted and sentenced to prison terms ranging from seven to 12 years.
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