57 Years for Cell Phone Store Robbery Kingpin

CHICAGO – Eric Curtis, 32, of Park Forest is facing a long stretch behind bars after a federal judge slammed him with a 57-year prison sentence today. Curtis was the ringleader of a ruthless crew that systematically robbed cell phone stores across the Chicago suburbs, leaving a trail of terrified employees and customers in their wake.

The evidence presented at trial painted a picture of calculated violence. Curtis recruited multiple individuals, arming them with firearms and directing them to carry out takeover-style robberies. The crew hit stores in Addison, Norridge, Deerfield, and Woodridge in 2013, swiping hundreds of cell phones and leaving victims shaken. Following each heist, Curtis allegedly oversaw the sale of the stolen goods, dividing the profits amongst his crew.

Federal prosecutors, Christopher V. Parente and Allison A. Ray, argued forcefully for a severe sentence, stating in a court memorandum that Curtis’ actions “terrorized dozens of victims” and that the trauma inflicted would likely last “as long as any sentence this Court imposes.” They emphasized the danger posed to innocent civilians simply trying to work or shop.

The robberies weren’t quick smash-and-grabs. Witnesses testified that Curtis’ crew would storm into stores, brandishing weapons and forcing both employees and customers to the back of the premises while they stuffed duffel bags with as many phones as they could carry. The sheer brazenness of the operation speaks to Curtis’ level of control and disregard for public safety.

Curtis was convicted last year on a slew of charges: one count of conspiracy to commit robbery, three counts of robbery, one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and three counts of using a firearm in a crime of violence. This isn’t a standalone case, however. Seven other members of the crew have already pleaded guilty, including Eric Rogers of Hazel Crest, another top leader who admitted the crew expanded their operations to include stores in Joliet, East Peoria, and even La Porte, Indiana. Rogers is currently awaiting his own sentencing.

The sentencing was announced by Acting United States Attorney Joel R. Levin for the Northern District of Illinois, and Michael J. Anderson, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago FBI office. Law enforcement officials from Chicago, Woodridge, Deerfield, Joliet, Norridge, Addison, and East Peoria all contributed to the investigation, highlighting the widespread impact of Curtis’ criminal enterprise. This case sends a clear message: arming a crew and terrorizing communities won’t be tolerated.

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