West Chicago man sentenced to 21 years for armed robbery of drug dealer
A West Chicago man was sentenced to 21 years in prison Wednesday for his role in the armed robbery of a drug dealer last year.
Berton Booker, 26, agreed to a plea deal in which he admitted to a charge of armed robbery with a firearm. As part of the agreement with DuPage County prosecutors, Booker also will receive three years of mandatory supervised release after serving his prison sentence.
Prosecutors say Booker was one of six men who concocted a plan on July 18, 2014, to steal cannabis by holding up a known dealer in West Chicago.
They say Booker pulled a .357 handgun on the dealer and a small group of men who were with him, demanding the drugs, money and personal belongings.
"There's variations of wrongdoing ... but you point a gun at a human being and threaten to kill them - that's despicable," Judge John Kinsella told Booker during a court hearing Wednesday.
Booker said he wants to improve his life in order to be a better example for his son and daughter.
"I understand it's my fault. I did this. But I know what I have to do for my kids," Booker said. "I want to start a new day going forward."
Kinsella said he hoped someone would be able to teach Booker's children "right from wrong" so they don't repeat the same mistakes as their father.
Prosecutors detailed an extensive criminal past for Booker, which includes convictions for delivery and possession of a controlled substance.
Booker will receive credit for 300 days he already has served.
Meanwhile, two co-defendants in the case already have begun serving prison sentences.
Raekwon Kelsor, 18, of West Chicago, was sentenced to 10 years in prison last month after pleading guilty to attempted armed robbery with a firearm.
Antonio Morris, Jr., 18, of Berwyn, was sentenced to eight years in prison boot camp in January after pleading guilty to armed robbery and attempted armed robbery.
Sir Ronald Wiley, Jr., 18, of Carol Stream, faces the same charges and is due in court June 10.
Raequon Nelson, 17, of Maywood, faces the same charges and is due in court June 13.
Zevonshea Smiley, 18, of West Chicago, faces the same charges and is due in court June 17.