Convicted Getaway Driver Ordered to Pay $159,000 in Restitution
In a shocking turn of events, Mario Washington, 24, of Chicago, Illinois was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment for his role in the November 26, 2016 smash and grab theft of Chanel handbags from the Saks Fifth Avenue department store at Plaza Frontenac.
According to the plea agreement, Washington acted as the getaway driver and was waiting in the parking lot while 12 individuals entered the store, smashed fixtures and shelves and made away with numerous Chanel handbags. Other handbags were damaged in during the theft.
Washington’s involvement in the crime was substantial, and his sentence reflects the severity of his actions. In addition to his term of imprisonment, Washington faces revocation of his Illinois state probation for drug offenses in Cook County, Illinois.
U.S. District Judge Audrey Fleissig handed down the sentence, ordering Washington to serve three years supervised release after prison, forfeit his interest in the stolen goods and any other items seized by law enforcement, and pay $159,000 in restitution along with his co-defendants.
The case is being investigated by a collaborative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Frontenac Police Department, the Illinois State Police, the Montgomery (Il.) County Sheriff’s Department, the Montgomery (Il.) County Prosecutor’s Office and the St. Louis County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney. Assistant United States Attorney Tom Albus is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The Saks Fifth Avenue smash and grab is a stark reminder of the brazen nature of some crimes. Washington’s sentence is a testament to the determination of law enforcement agencies to bring perpetrators to justice.
Washington’s imprisonment is set to begin immediately, and he will be required to serve his supervised release once he is released from prison. The $159,000 in restitution will be paid by Washington and his co-defendants, bringing closure to the victims of the smash and grab theft.
The case has sent shockwaves through the community, and it is a sobering reminder of the consequences of engaging in criminal activity. Washington’s sentence is a stark reminder that the law will not tolerate such behavior.
Key Facts
- State: Missouri
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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