Related Federal Cases
Defendant’s Guilty Plea Marks End of High-End Heist
St. Louis, MO – In a shocking turn of events, Dejuan Wingard, 22, of Chicago, pleaded guilty to federal charges of interstate transportation of stolen property in connection with the smash and grab theft of luxury handbags from Saks Fifth Avenue in Frontenac, Missouri.
The brazen theft occurred on November 26, 2016, when a group of thieves stormed the high-end store and made off with a cache of Chanel handbags. The stolen goods were then transported across state lines into Illinois, where the perpetrators were eventually apprehended by state and local police near Litchfield.
Wingard’s guilty plea marks the final act in a drama that saw eight individuals indicted for their roles in the high-end heist. The group, which included Wingard, now awaits sentencing, facing up to 10 years imprisonment and/or fines of up to $250,000 or both.
As part of the plea agreement, Wingard’s sentencing has been set for August 1, 2017, before Judge Henry Autrey. The U.S. Sentencing Guidelines will be taken into consideration when determining the actual sentence.
The investigation into the theft was a collaborative effort between the FBI, the Frontenac Police Department, and the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s office.
A separate group of five Chicagoans, allegedly involved in the crime, have been indicted in a related case, United States v William Curry, et al., and are awaiting trial.
As the guilty plea is finalized, the community is left to wonder how such a brazen crime could have been carried out. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.
Key Facts
- State: Missouri
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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