3 years for abduction attempt outside Aurora grocery store

An Aurora man was sentenced Thursday to three years in prison for trying to lure an 8-year-old boy into his car outside a grocery store on Dec. 26, 2009.

Stephen P. Sweigart of the 900 block of Lenwood Court, also will be listed for 10 years on the state’s registry under the Illinois Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Registration Act.

Kane County Judge Edward C. Schreiber issued the sentence after convicting Sweigart in May 27, 2011 of felony child abduction.

Sweigart pleaded guilty in February to aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and unlawful possession of cannabis. He could have received a top sentence of six years on all the charges.

At about 9 p.m. Dec. 26, 2009, the boy was sitting on a bench outside a grocery store in the 1900 block of West Galena Boulevard on Aurora’s west side while his mom and sister went through the checkout lanes.

Police said Sweigart tried to lure the victim to his car, telling the boy that he had toys at his house. The mom told her daughter to see what was going on and Sweigart walked away. But a motorist followed Sweigart’s vehicle and called police, who found Sweigart’s vehicle parked in his driveway.

The officer smelled marijuana smoke coming from the vehicle and a search turned up two handguns, including a loaded .357 Magnum, more than 150 rounds ammunition, a machete, drug paraphernalia, sex toys, lingerie and children’s toys, authorities said.

Kane County Assistant State’s Attorneys Jonathan McKay and Megan Matuska prosecuted the case.

Sweigart can have his sentenced halved for good behavior behind bars.