Boot camp for man who impersonated cops, made couple strip
A 22-year-old Harvard man was sentenced to seven years in prison after pleading guilty to robbery and impersonating a police officer.
However, Michael T. Spencer could avoid a lengthy prison term as McHenry County Judge Joseph Condon recommended Spencer be put in the Impact Incarceration Program, also known as boot camp.
Spencer entered a blind plea — when a defendant does not have an agreed upon sentenced before admitting guilt — to the two felonies, and three other charges — aggravated battery in a public place, criminal damage to property and burglary — all were dismissed by prosecutors.
Spencer was arrested in February 2010 after police received a tip, and he was charged with a May 15, 2009, incident in northwest McHenry County near Streit and Lindwall roads.
Authorities accused Spencer of impersonating a McHenry County Sheriff’s Deputy, approaching a 15-year-old girl and 16-year-old boy who were in a parked car, then ordering them to get out and remove their clothes.
Authorities said Spencer searched the vehicle, took the boy’s driver’s license, punched him in the face and smashed his cellphone before driving off.
Spencer’s arrest came a month after he admitted teasing a police dog and was sentenced to 30 days in jail.