Second defendant pleads guilty in '08 home invasions

The second of four defendants in a string of suburban burglaries pleaded guilty to home invasion and received eight years in prison Monday.

Mark Sharks, 40, of the 1000 block of Ashton Court in Streamwood, was one of four defendants charged with a rash of home invasions and burglaries last spring in Elk Grove Village, Hanover Park, Streamwood, Schaumburg and Hoffman Estates. His plea follows one last month by 18-year-old Trevor Russell, who received 16 years in prison after pleading guilty to taking part in 10 separate incidents occurring between March and May of 2008.

Authorities say the defendants sometimes worked alone and sometimes teamed up. In the May 9 home invasion to which Sharks pleaded guilty, they worked together, entering an Elk Grove Village home about 10:40 p.m., said Assistant State's Attorney Mike Gerber. The men woke the 51-year-old homeowner, hit him in the body and head and stole TVs, a computer, cell phone and Wii, Gerber said.

The victim, who was admitted to Alexian Brothers Medical Center in Hoffman Estates, identified Sharks from a photo lineup. Court records indicate the defendant has convictions for receipt of a stolen vehicle, possession of a controlled substance and unlawful use of a weapon by a felon. Later, Sharks confessed to Elk Grove police that he entered the residence and assisted in removing property but insisted he did not beat the victim, Gerber said. At his sentencing, Sharks again insisted that he did not participate in the beating.

"I apologize," said Sharks who came before the court in a wheelchair. "If there's any way I can make it up I would like to do so."

Sharks contracted a viral infection at Cook County Jail, where he has been incarcerated for 10 months, said his attorney Philip Igoe. He has deteriorated steadily to the point where he can no longer walk, Igoe requested the court order Sharks placed in the hospital wing of whatever prison he's assigned. The court granted Igoe's request.

Cases against co-defendants Danny Suddoth of the 2200 block of Walnut in Hanover Park and Steven Anderson of the 2000 block of Walnut in Hanover Park are still pending.