The Illinois Attorney General has filed charges against five men accused of being part of a burglary gang that targeted video gaming machines in 22 counties, including McLean, Dewitt, Tazewell and Peoria.
Attorney General Kwame Raoul said the five companies affected would stretch from the Chicago metropolitan area to central Illinois between January and November 2023.
“The thefts allegedly committed by this burglary ring affected dozens of businesses and counties, targeting gas stations, bars and small video game parlors,” Raoul said. “These arrests are the result of countless hours of investigative work and close cooperation between my office and multiple law enforcement agencies.”
Raoul said investigations by the Illinois Gaming Board and dozens of law enforcement agencies found the five stole more than $100,000.
“The Illinois Gaming Board will continue to work with our state and local partners in criminal investigations across the state to ensure and maintain the integrity and safety of gaming in Illinois,” said IGB Administrator Marcus Fruchter.
The following are considered defendants:
- John Friedrich, 35, of Streator
- Joseph Montoro, 39, of Berwyn
- Sebastian Perez, 41, of Chicago
- Jacob Sickel, 20, of Brookfield
- Don Wiley, 53, of University Park
The defendants face numerous charges, including burglary, money laundering, theft and attempted burglary.
Raoul’s statewide Grand Jury Bureau is authorized under Illinois state law to prosecute multi-district cases involving drugs, money laundering, weapons or electronics.
