15 years for ‘early release’ convict in Elgin crime
A Rockford man who was on parole for burglary conviction was sentenced to 15 years in prison Friday for the home invasion, robbery and attempted rape of two mentally handicapped women in Elgin.
Byron Broger of the 700 block of West State Street, only served about nine months of a 33-month sentence for burglary before the Elgin attack.
This time, he must serve 85 percent — or about 12 years — of his sentence under the plea agreement accepted by Judge Karen Simpson.
He also must register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.
Broger was accused of forcing his way into an apartment in the 1600 block of Maple Lane after ringing the doorbell at 4 a.m. Aug. 18, 2010.
Assistant State’s Attorney Lori Schmidt said Broger punched one woman and choked her until she lost consciousness. Her roommate heard screams and Broger punched and choked her, too.
“He has a history of going into homes,” Schmidt said. “This one was pretty bad.”
Police said Broger took a cellphone from one of the women and called his girlfriend for a ride. He was arrested the next day at his girlfriend’s apartment a few blocks from the scene.
Broger pleaded guilty to one count of home invasion causing great bodily harm. That was the most serious charge and it carried a top sentence of 30 years.
Prosecutors dismissed 13 other charges, which included home invasion, robbery, residential burglary and attempted criminal sexual abuse and attempted criminal sexual assault.
“Oh my God,” groaned one of Broger’s family members from the back row of court as Simpson read through all the charges and possible prison terms.
According to police and court records, Broger has a long criminal record and was sentenced to prison three times, the first in 2003 for two years for a felony domestic violence conviction.
Broger was sentenced to 33 months in prison in October 2009 for an attempted burglary but he was released July 22, 2010.
Inmates can have their sentences halved for good behavior and Broger got an additional six months “meritorious good time credit,” said Stacy Solano, Illinois Department of Corrections spokeswoman.