Teen admits to brick attack at Metra station in Woodstock, faces prison

A Crystal Lake teen could be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison after admitting guilt Wednesday to allegations he struck a man in the face with a brick last year during a failed robbery at a Metra station.

Kenneth S. Nepras, 18, of the 7300 block of McHenry Avenue, pleaded guilty to charges of attempted armed robbery and aggravated battery for the Oct. 17 assault at the Woodstock train station.

The charges allege Nepras hit the victim with a brick and tried to take his property. The attack left the victim with facial bruises and cuts to his nose and forehead that needed stitches to close.

Under the terms of the plea deal Nepras made with McHenry County prosecutors Wednesday, he will face a prison term of 4 to 15 years or probation when sentenced April 8. Prosecutors dismissed two other aggravated battery charges as part of the agreement.

Assistant McHenry County State's Attorney Simeon Kim said prosecutors likely would seek a prison sentence, but Nepras' attorney said his client - who has been in custody at the county jail since November - is hoping for probation.

"We're going to ask for probation because we believe he's a good candidate for that," defense attorney Richard Kelly said.

McHenry County court records indicate Nepras has no prior felony convictions but was found guilty of misdemeanor battery three times between February and August 2009. He also has two more misdemeanor battery charges pending in connection with an August incident, records show.