Men plead guilty to 2011 armed robbery spree
A pair of 20-year-old men involved in a series of armed robberies last year in Hanover Park and Streamwood pleaded guilty to the charges Monday.
Alejandro Avalos, of the 200 block of W. Kennedy Drive in Streamwood, pleaded guilty to armed robbery and attempted armed robbery and was sentenced by Cook County Judge Ellen Mandletort to 12 years and seven years, respectively, to be served concurrently. Juan Mora, of the 7900 block of Pebble Brook Circle in Hanover Park, pleaded guilty to attempted armed robbery and was sentenced to seven years in prison.
Avalos received credit for 288 days in custody. Mora received credit for 265 days in custody.
The spree began about 7:30 p.m. Nov. 8, 2011, when Avalos entered the Burrito Bronco Restaurant in Streamwood wearing a bandanna covering his face and carrying what looked like a handgun, which police later determined was a BB pistol, said Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney Michael Gerber.
Avalos demanded money from the manager, who put $400 in a bag Avalos provided, after which Avalos fled, Gerber said.
Several hours later, police say Avalos went with Mora and two other men to the M&M Pantry in Hanover Park.
While Mora served as a lookout, Avalos, again wearing a bandanna, pointed the BB pistol at the clerk and demanded money, Gerber said. When the clerk was unable to open the register, Avalos struck him with the BB pistol, Gerber said.
On Nov. 14, 2011, Avalos and another man entered a Streamwood Dairy Queen armed with what police later determined was the BB pistol and ordered an employee to turn over cash that totaled $480, Gerber said, adding that store video surveillance captured the robbery.
Upon receiving his sentence, Avalos apologized to the court for his behavior.
“I have started a new life with Jesus in my life,” he said, adding that he hopes to become a better man.