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Wauconda man faces 30 years in cigarette theft

A Wauconda man could be sentenced to up to 30 years in prison for stealing 13 packs of cigarettes during what police say was the robbery of a convenience store.

Because he has been twice convicted of possession of a stolen car, Billedo Robles, 31, faces enhanced penalties if convicted of the robbery. He faces a minimum of six years behind bars.

Lake County Assistant State's Attorney Matthew DeMartini said Robles, of the 26000 block of Morey Lane, walked into the Corner Pantry on Liberty Street around 9:13 p.m. on Feb. 16. Robles held up a roll of duct tape, DeMartini said, and told the cashier “I need money.”

The cashier fled and called 911, DeMartini said, and Robles went behind the counter and unsuccessfully tried to open the cash register.

Robles eventually grabbed 13 packs of cigarettes and fled on foot, but was caught by police a short distance away from the store.

DeMartini said Robles served terms of probation after convictions for possessing stolen cars in 2003 and 2007.

Associate Judge Theodore Potkonjak scheduled a trial of the case for May 7. He ordered Robles, who is held on $250,000 bail, to appear in court April 11.

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