Christopher Easterling, Attempted Armed Robbery, Illinois 2019

Fairview Heights, IL – An Omaha, Nebraska man attempted to rob a Walgreens in Swansea, Illinois, and has been sentenced to 20 years in prison. On September 15, 2019, Christopher Easterling, 23, entered the Walgreens located at 2532 N. Illinois Street, approached the cashier, brandished a firearm, and said “let’s get this going, babe.” The cashier immediately ran away. After stepping behind the counter and briefly surveying the scene, Easterling left the store without taking anything. He was apprehended minutes later by the Swansea Police.

Easterling pled guilty to a three-count indictment charging him with attempted armed robbery of the Walgreens, brandishing a firearm during the crime, and unlawful gun possession by a convicted felon. In handing down the nearly 20-year sentence, Chief U.S. District Judge Nancy J. Rosenstengel noted as aggravating factors that Easterling had committed the offense while on parole for another attempted robbery in Nebraska in 2016, and that he has another robbery conviction from Nebraska in 2014.

Upon his release from prison, Easterling will serve 5 years on supervised release. The ATF and the Swansea Police investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Reppert prosecuted the case.

Easterling’s attempt to rob the Walgreens is a stark reminder of the dangers of firearms in the hands of convicted felons. The public can rest a little easier knowing that Easterling will be behind bars for the next 20 years.

The case serves as a warning to would-be robbers that the consequences of such actions can be severe. Easterling’s sentence is a testament to the dedication of law enforcement and the justice system in keeping our communities safe.

The Swansea Police and the ATF deserve credit for their efforts in bringing Easterling to justice. Their tireless work in investigating and prosecuting this case has made our community a safer place.

In the end, Easterling’s actions have consequences, and he will be paying the price for his attempted robbery. The people of Swansea can rest easy knowing that justice has been served.

Defendant: Christopher Easterling
Criminal Charges: Attempted Armed Robbery, Brandishing a Firearm during the crime, Unlawful Gun Possession by a Convicted Felon
City and State: Swansea, IL
Exact Date: September 15, 2019
Sentence or Outcome: 20 years in prison, 5 years on supervised release

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