McHenry County Blog

Here’s is the complaint filed by FBI Special Agent Terrance Heatherman in the Richmond bank robbery attempt. It was signed by Magistrate P. Michael Mahoney of Rockford.

A press release from the Chicago Office of the FBI:

CHARGES FILED IN CONNECTION WITH FBI SHOOTING INCIDENT

Cory B. Nelson, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Gary S. Shapiro, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, announced the filing of charges against two individuals involved in an incident that led to the fatal shooting of a third individual.

AARON RUSSELL, 40, of 9200 Hunter Drive, Orland Hills, IL, and ROBERTO FAVELA, 34, of 5547 South California Avenue, Chicago, were charged in a criminal complaint filed late yesterday in US District Court in Rockford with one count of Attempted Bank Robbery, a felony offense.

According to the complaint, FBI Special Agents have been investigating Russell and others in connection with a number of armed robberies of Chicago area jewelry stores as well as the armed robbery of a bank that occurred February 2, 2013, in Poplar Grove, IL.

The complaint alleges that yesterday morning law enforcement observed Favela driving a Chevy Tahoe and TONY STARNES, 45, of 7836 South Marquette Avenue, Chicago, driving a Honda Civic that had been reported stolen to Chicago Police Department late last year.

A license plate observed on the Honda Civic had also been reported stolen.

The complaint states that the two vehicles were seen traveling from the Chicago area to a location just across the Illinois-Wisconsin border.

At that location, Russell was seen getting out of the Tahoe driven by Favela and getting into the back seat of the Honda Civic driven by Starnes.

The two vehicles were then seen driving to Richmond, Illinois, and ultimately to a parking lot in front of the Associated Bank at 10910 North Main Street in Richmond, Illinois.

The complaint alleges that shortly after the Honda Civic pulled into the parking lot, it was surrounded by Special Agents who identified themselves as law enforcement.

The complaint further alleges that the Honda Civic then rammed an Agent’s vehicle, and that law enforcement then shot and killed the driver, Starnes.

Russell, allegedly wearing gloves and a face mask around his neck, was removed from the back seat of the Honda Civic and taken into custody.

Favela, who was still in the driver’s seat of the Tahoe in another area of the parking lot, was arrested by law enforcement at the same time.

Both men appeared this morning before US Magistrate Judge Michael T. Mason, at which time they were formally charged and ordered held pending their next court appearance, scheduled to take place next Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. in US District Court in Rockford.

In announcing the charges today, Mr. Nelson acknowledged the many law enforcement partners who lent resources and provided invaluable assistance during the course of the investigation and especially following yesterday’s events.

He thanked the Chicago, Richmond and Spring Grove (Illinois) Police Departments, the Richmond Fire Department and the McHenry County, Will County and Boone County Sheriff’s Offices.

If convicted of the charges filed against them, Russell and Favela each face a possible maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and up to three years of supervised release.

The public is reminded that a complaint is not evidence of guilt, and that all defendants in a criminal case are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

A press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office:

ROUND LAKE BEACH MAN SENTENCED TO MORE THAN 5 YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON FOR ROBBERY OF FIFTH THIRD BANK IN ALGONQUIN

Algonquin Police Chief Russ Laine was given credit in the press release.

ROCKFORD — A Round Lake Beach, Ill. man was sentenced today in federal court for bank robbery.

The defendant, Mohammed Nusrath Ali Khan, 42, was sentenced before U.S. District Judge Frederick J. Kapala to 62 months in federal prison for the robbery of the Fifth Third Bank, 450 South Randall Road, Algonquin, Ill., on May 23, 2012.

In addition, the court also ordered Khan to pay restitution of $5,211 to Fifth Third Bank.

Khan pled guilty to the charge on Nov. 20, 2012. According to the written plea agreement, On May 23, 2012, at approximately 4:45 p.m., Khan entered the Fifth Third Bank branch on South Randall Road and approached a bank teller. Khan admitted that when he entered the bank, he had a BB gun concealed in the waistband of his pants under his shirt.

Khan handed the Teller a note which stated that this was a robbery and demanded money.

The note further stated Khan was armed with a gun and that the Teller was not to

• make a scene
• give him any “dye packs,” or
• activate any alarms

or the defendant would shoot her.

Gary Shapiro

The Teller gave Khan $5,211 of the bank’s money from her teller drawer. Khan retrieved the note from the teller and then walked out of the bank. Khan has been in federal custody since his arrest by the Skokie Police Department on June 8, 2012.

The sentencing was announced by Gary S. Shapiro, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Thomas R. Trautmann, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Office of Federal Bureau of Investigation; Russell Laine, Chief of the Algonquin Police Department; and Anthony Scarpelli, Chief of the Skokie Police Department.

The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Pedersen.

"You've got to be consistent...Government screwed this up."

A press release from Congressman Joe Walsh has arrived. It is Walsh’s side of a video snippet from an interchange between Walsh and a constituent. I first saw the story on Illinois Review yesterday and have received two or three emails containing the same video. If memory serves me correctly, most came from sources on the left side of the political spectrum.

Rep. Joe Walsh Releases Statement on Exchange at ‘Cup of Joe’

FOX LAKE – Congressman Joe Walsh (IL-8) released the following statement regarding the recent exchange with a constituent at a local ‘Cup of Joe with Joe.’

Walsh stated: “As my constituents know, I am a very passionate person.

“I am passionate about our freedom, fighting for taxpayers, and standing up against big government.

“Constituents with opposing views have every right to argue with me, and I have every right to argue passionately for my conservative values.

“That¹s what freedom is all about.

“This debate is important and the fact that two people can discuss their differing opinions is what makes this country special.

“I have hosted a ‘Cup of Joe with Joe’ event every single weekend since I have been in office.

“I show up at coffee houses in the district and anyone can meet with me to discuss any issue.

“These are fun, engaging sessions, and I often meet with people who disagree with me and the conversation can become spirited.

“The woman I most recently had a heated discussion with was great and she appreciated how open these events are.

“I apologized to her for getting a bit too passionate to which she smiled and did not mind at all.

“Regarding the substance of which I was referring – I have never been a ‘pal of big banks’ and I would have voted against the bank bailout in 2009.

“If banks abuse their charters, they should be prosecuted.

“But banks are not all to blame for this mess – government policy that advocated for every American to become a homeowner is at fault for this disaster.

“To allow and encourage Freddie and Fannie to approve loans to people with no credit history and no money down was a disaster waiting to happen.

“Despite some Republicans attempts to enact reform, Democrats, like Barney Frank, killed any attempt at reform.

“The banks followed the rules set forth by the government, and further meddling by the government will only exasperate the problem.

“I have held over 80 town hall meetings and ‘Cup of Joe with Joe’ events since taking office.

“I hold these because I welcome this open discussion and will continue to keep this direct line of contact with those who I proudly represent.”

A press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office:

CRYSTAL LAKE WOMAN SENTENCED TO 18 MONTHS IN FEDERAL PRISON
FOR THE ROBBERY OF CHASE BANK IN CARY, ILLINOIS

Silk Lumpkins sees the Cary bank has a bowl of lollipops and decides to take one.

ROCKFORD – PATRICK J. FITZGERALD, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; ROBERT D. GRANT, Special Agent-In-Charge of the Chicago Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; RONALD K. LUKASIK, Chief of the Fox River Grove Police Department; and STEVEN CASSTEVENS, Chief of the Cary Police Department, today made the following announcement:

Today, in Rockford federal court, United States District Judge Philip G. Reinhard sentenced SILK P. LUMPKINS, 36, of Crystal Lake, Illinois, to 18 months in federal prison for the May 26, 2010, robbery of Chase Bank, 300 Northwest Highway, Cary, Illinois.

Lumpkins pled guilty on February 16, 2011.

]In pleading guilty, Lumpkins admitted that at about 2:20 p.m. on May 26, 2010, she entered Chase Bank wearing a disguise consisting of heavy covering make-up on her face and hands, a long blonde wig, long-sleeved shirt, and a baseball cap.

Silk Lumpkins hands over the robbery note.

Lumpkins further admitted that she wrote a note at the self-service desk ,approached a teller at the counter, and handed the note to the teller that stated something to the effect of:

“If you don’t want to die today, give me all your money. You have 30 seconds to do this.”

According to the plea agreement, the teller then removed $5,876 from her drawer and handed the money to Lumpkins. Lumpkins then put the money into a blue “Chase” deposit bag that she brought with her and walked out of the bank with the bag.

Lumpkins was arrested on June 2, 2010.

 

Silk Lumpkins waits for the money.

In addition to the 18 month prison sentence, Lumpkins was ordered to serve 3 years of supervised release following her release from prison.

The court further ordered Lumpkins to serve the first 6 months of her supervised release in home confinement with electronic monitoring.

The court also ordered Lumpkins to pay restitution to Chase Bank in the total amount of $5,876.

The case was investigated by the Rockford Office of the FBI, the Fox River Grove Police Department and the Cary Police Department.

The case was prosecuted in federal court by Assistant United States Attorney SCOTT A. VERSEMAN.

Silk Lumpkins sees a bowl of lollipops while robbing the Cary Chase Bank.

A year ago in June, Crystal Lake resident Silk Pauline Lumpkins was arrested in Fox River Grove.  On May 26, 2010, she had robbed the Chase Bank on Route 14 in Cary, Illinois.

She plead guilty in Rockford Federal Court today.  The press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office follows:

CRYSTAL LAKE WOMAN PLEADS GUILTY IN FEDERAL COURT TO ROBBERY OF CHASE BANK IN CARY, ILLINOIS

ROCKFORD – PATRICK J. FITZGERALD, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; ROBERT D. GRANT, Special Agent-In-Charge of the Chicago Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; RONALD K. LUKASIK, Chief of the Fox River Grove Police Department; and STEVEN CASSTEVENS, Chief of the Cary Police Department, today made the following announcement:

SILK P. LUMPKINS, 36, of Crystal Lake, Illinois, pleaded guilty in federal court today to robbing Chase Bank, 300 Northwest Highway, Cary, Illinois, on May 26, 2010.

Silk Lumpkins puts the sucker in her mouth.

In pleading guilty, Lumpkins admitted that at about 2:20 p.m. on May 26, 2010, she entered Chase Bank wearing a disguise consisting of

• heavy covering make-up on her face and hands,
• a long blonde wig, long-sleeved shirt, and
• a baseball cap.

Lumpkins further admitted that she wrote a note at the self-service desk, approached a teller at the counter, and handed the note to the teller that stated something to the effect of:

“If you don’t want to die today, give me all your money. You have 30 seconds to do this.”

Here Silk Lumpkins is sucking away at the lollipop meant for customers.

According to the plea agreement, the teller then removed $5,876 from her drawer and handed the money to Lumpkins. Lumpkins then put the money into a blue “Chase” deposit bag that she brought with her and walked out of the bank with the bag.

Lumpkins was arrested on June 2, 2010.

Sentencing for Lumpkins will be conducted on May 18, 2011, at 10:00 a.m.

Lumpkins faces a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, up to 3 years of supervised release following imprisonment, and full restitution. The actual sentence will be determined by the United States District Court, guided by the United States Sentencing Guidelines.

The case was investigated by the Rockford Office of the FBI, the Fox River Grove Police Department and the Cary Police Department. The case is being prosecuted in federal court by Assistant United States Attorney SCOTT A. VERSEMAN.

U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald

The U.S. Attorney’s Office announces the sentencing of a crooked banker:

FORMER ELMWOOD PARK BANK VICE PRESIDENT SENTENCED TO 63 MONTHS IN FEDERAL PRISON FOR $5.1 MILLION FRAUD SCHEME

CHICAGO — A former suburban bank vice president was sentenced today to 63 months in federal prison following his fraud conviction for changing the terms of at least 100 loans for at least 50 customers and causing the bank to lose at least $5.1 million.

Jeffrey Gonsiewski, formerly vice president of the loan department at First Security Trust and Savings Bank in Elmwood Park, altered loan documents to make it appear that customers’ payments were current when he knew they were actually overdue, which prevented the bank from taking timely action to collect delinquent loans and protect its assets.

Gonsiewski, 56, of Wood Dale, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Elaine Bucklo, who ordered him to begin serving the sentence on Jan. 20, 2011. Judge Bucklo also ordered mandatory restitution of $5.1 million.

Gonsiewski pleaded guilty in August to one count of bank fraud, admitting that, between September 2004 and February 2009, he caused the bank to issue unsecured and under-secured loans by falsely representing that the loans were secured by adequate collateral even though he knew that the collateral was either nonexistent or insufficient to secure the loans.

He also

• changed the terms and conditions of loans to conceal that payments were overdue;
• fraudulently caused the bank to cover checks totaling more than $2 million written on overdrawn accounts; and
• created false loan documents, including forging signatures.

The sentencing was announced by Patrick J. Fitzgerald, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Robert D. Grant, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Office of Federal Bureau of Investigation. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacqueline Stern.

I found this chart in McHenry County College Board packet this month.

It shows who had how much of the college’s money in October.

The winner was the Home State Bank with $4.4 million.

This charts shows where McHenry County College put its money.

For the next year, the recommendation to the board is that Crystal Lake Bank and Trust be selected as the main bank.

That resulted from a RFP for banking services to which the following banks responded:

• Bank of America
• Castle Bank
• Crystal Lake Bank and Trust
• First Midwest Bank
• Home State Bank
• JPMorgan Chase Bank

Melissa Bean lookkng a bit apprehensive in her 2006 debate. She didn't appear on the same platform with an opponent until this year right before the election.

With Joe Walsh holding onto a several hundred vote lead before absentee ballots are counted in Lake and McHenry Counties, both of which he carried, the rumor mill on Capitol Hill has 8th District Democrat Melissa Bean being appointed head of a new Federal agency.

Which one?

Let’s let “Politico” do the talking:

“MELISSA BEAN FLOATED AS CFPB HEAD – Buzz on Friday had Rep. Melissa Bean (D-Ill.) possibly getting tapped as the first Consumer Financial Protection Bureau head depending on the outcome of her too-close-to-call reelection race, in which Republican Joe Walsh maintained a slight lead as of Sunday afternoon.

“But a possible Bean nomination is not sitting well with reformers on the left who say the moderate Illinois congresswoman is far too close to the banking industry.

“Said one administration official: ‘It’s not clear she would be acceptable to the reformers.’”

There are a couple of critical opinion pieces about the trial balloon:

Here’s one by Jane Hamsher on “FDL Action.”

She writes,

“Bean has consistently opposed popular measures to rein in the banks, while taking huge sums of money from the Chamber of Commerce and the banks, at a time when the public blames the banks (and politicians who are too cozy with them) for the state of the economy.“The fact that her name would be floated at all as the head of an agency to oversee the banks is an indication that there’s some sort of death wish on the part of Democrats for the 2012 election.”

And, another by Joel Sabastian on Pro Publica.  He says,

“Blue Dog Coalition…Vice chair Melissa Bean, a critical player in the group’s efforts to weaken the overhaul of the financial services industry, is trailing a Tea Party-backed opponent in her suburban Chicago district.”

The following press release has been received from the State’s Attorney’s Office:

HINKLEY MAN SENTENCED TO 5 YEARS IN PRISON FOR ATTEMPT ARMED ROBBERY OF BANK

Louis A. Bianchi, McHenry County State’s Attorney, announces that twenty year old Matthew Reno was sentenced to five years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for the March 24, 2008 attempted robbery of the Midwest Bank in Union, IL.

Witness testimony during the three day jury trial revealed that the defendant, while armed with a handgun, attempted to take money from a bank teller before being tackled to the ground by a customer inside the bank.

The defendant ran from the scene and was able to escape, only to be apprehended by police at a later time.

Evidence was also presented in the form of cellular telephone records showing that the defendant’s cell phone was used near the bank a short time after the attempted robbery.

Reno faced a sentence of either probation or between four and fifteen years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

The lead prosecutor on the case was Assistant State’s Attorney Michael Combs.