Second man pleads guilty to theft of Payton ring

The case of the stolen Walter Payton Hall of Fame ring is now closed.

Jeremy J. Sherman, 19, of North Aurora, pleaded guilty today to his role in the March 2006 theft of the ring, along with a Super Bowl XX replica ring, from the late-former Chicago Bears legend's restaurant.

Sherman was given credit for 236 days in jail and placed on probation for two years. He also is required to undergo a drug and alcohol evaluation within 30 days and comply with any recommendations from it, Assistant State's Attorney Adam Katz said.

Sherman also is prohibited from entering Payton's Roundhouse, 205 N. Broadway Ave. in Aurora, during his probation.

In August, James Graham, 31, of North Aurora pleaded guilty to his role in the theft of the two rings, valued at $4,100. The rings were recovered by Aurora police from a Chicago pawn shop within days of the theft.

Since then, Roundhouse officials have beefed up security around the ring display and other memorabilia cases at the restaurant.