Pair accused of scrambling satellite signals in thefts deny charges

Two men accused of scrambling satellite signals at Kane County gas stations in order to buy cigarettes with fake credit cards have denied the charges.

Lester A. Spruille, 25, of the 800 block of West 50th Place, Chicago, pleaded not guilty Thursday to burglary, theft and fraudulent use of an electronic transmission, while co-defendant Lawrence Bradley, 25, of the 12000 block of South Washington Avenue, Blue Island, pleaded not guilty last week to theft and burglary.

Police say the men used aluminum foil to cover antennas to scramble data signals at gas stations in Carpentersville and East Dundee last fall, so that the gas stations couldn't run their credit cards - allowing the pair to buy $416 in cigarettes and other goods with fraudulent cards. They were arrested after a clerk at the Carpentersville station noticed the foil and became suspicious.

Spruille's defense attorney, Kelly Bennett, said Thursday that the state's case is "all circumstantial," and his client is maintaining his innocence.

"There are really no direct eyewitnesses to identify my client as committing any crime," Bennett said. "We intend to vigorously defend the charges."

The most serious charge against the men is a Class 2 felony with a standard sentencing range of up to four years of probation or three to seven years in prison. Bradley's attorney could be reached for comment Thursday. Spruille and Bradley are free on bond and due back in court April 8.

<div class="infoBox">

<h1>More Coverage</h1>

<div class="infoBoxContent">

<div class="infoArea">

<h2>Stories</h2>

<ul class="links">

<li><a href="/story/?id=325133">Cops: Pair scrambled satellites in East Dundee thefts<span class="date">[9/29/09]</span></a></li>

</ul>

</div>

</div>

</div>