A Berwyn man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to his involvement in a sophisticated statewide video gaming theft ring. Joseph Montoro, 40, admitted to two felony counts of burglary, marking a significant victory for law enforcement in dismantling a criminal enterprise that spanned multiple Illinois counties and resulted in the theft of approximately $100,000.
Key Takeaways
- Joseph Montoro, 40, of Berwyn, pleaded guilty to two felony counts of burglary.
- He received a 10-year prison sentence from DuPage County Circuit Court Judge Mia McPherson.
- The charges stem from his participation in a statewide video gaming theft ring.
- The ring is accused of stealing $100,000 from video gaming machines across several Illinois counties.
- Charges are still pending against four other defendants involved in the scheme.
A Coordinated Investigation
The successful prosecution of Montoro was the result of a complex and collaborative investigation spearheaded by the Illinois Attorney General’s office. This effort involved close cooperation with the Illinois Gaming Board and numerous law enforcement agencies across the state. Attorney General Kwame Raoul highlighted the importance of these partnerships in holding criminals accountable for operating across jurisdictional boundaries.
The Scope of the Operation
Montoro and four other individuals were charged last year following the investigation’s findings. The group allegedly targeted video gaming machines, pilfering a substantial sum of money. The investigation was initiated after the Illinois Gaming Board provided a crucial tip to the Attorney General’s office, setting in motion the complex process that ultimately led to Montoro’s guilty plea and sentencing. Legal proceedings are ongoing for the remaining defendants.
Sources
- Berwyn man pleads guilty to statewide video gaming theft ring, Chicago Sun-Times.
