St. Charles robbery suspect denies charge

A St. Charles man pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges he participated in the armed robbery of a 17-year-old boy.

Herman Little, 23, of the 100 block of South Third Street, was indicted in July on one count of armed robbery in connection with the April 3 holdup at Mount St. Mary Park in St. Charles.

Police said Little was among three men who confronted the teen with a crowbar about 7 p.m. at the skateboarding area of the park, 700 Geneva Road, and stole his cell phone and $15. A fourth suspect has been convicted of acting as a lookout from a waiting car.

Little, who remains in the Kane County jail on $350,000 bond, faces six to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000 if convicted, Judge T. Jordan Gallagher said Thursday.

Police arrested Little and three of his roommates less than two hours after the robbery, and just a few blocks from the scene, using the victim's description of the getaway vehicle.

Also arrested were 19-year-olds Alexander S. Cichon and Christopher S. King on charges of armed robbery, burglary and possession of a stolen vehicle. Neither has entered a plea.

In July, accused lookout Candice N. Gard, 22, pleaded guilty to burglary in exchange for 48 months of probation and 82 days in jail.

Cichon and King, who are in jail on $350,000 and $900,000 bonds, respectively, return to court Oct. 15. Little is due back Nov. 4.