Man gets boot camp for burglarizing neighbor's home

The neighbor whose Elk Grove Village house Jerrell Grant broke into twice last year did not request payback for the cash and jewelry he stole from her. But the woman, who said she watched Grant grow up, still believes he should be held accountable for his actions.

So does Cook County Circuit Court Judge John Scotillo, who sentenced Grant to the Cook County Sheriff's boot camp. A rigorous, 12-month program for specific inmates, it consists of 18 weeks of military-style training, drug and alcohol counseling, vocational training and educational assistance followed by eight months of supervision upon the inmate's release.

Grant, who turns 24 Friday, was arrested in September, along with two other men, after Elk Grove Village police caught one of the other men leaving a home in the 1200 block of Cypress Lane carrying a garbage can containing an Xbox game, said Cook County Assistant State's Attorney Mike Clarke.

Grant, of the 100 block of Wildwood, was sitting in a car with a co-defendant at the time, said Cook County Assistant Public Defender Beth Miner. One co-defendant received probation as part of Cook County's Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities (TASC) program and the third awaits trial, Miner said.

During a conversation with police, Grant said he broke into a neighbor's house on July 16, 2009 and took some jewelry. Grant said he broke in again on Aug. 18 and took $400 in cash and a BB gun, Clarke said.

Among the items he took was an antique watch the victim's father gave to her mother as an engagement present and some holy cards.

"These weren't important to anyone but me and now they're gone," said the 35-year resident of the neighborhood.

In requesting boot camp, Miner pointed out that Grant completed a drug-treatment program during his 203 days in custody, for which he will receive credit.

"When he's not using drugs, he can be a good person," she said.

Grant expressed remorse to his neighbor, saying "it tears me up that I could do something like that."

He said he's learned a lot over the last four months.

"One thing I learned is I don't have to live the way I was living," he said.

Suggesting that drugs and alcohol may have contributed to the escalation of Grant's crimes from petty offenses to felonies, Scotillo commended him for putting his time in custody to good use through treatment.

"I think the sheriff's program will benefit you and society," said Scotillo, "because it's custodial, it will also serve as punishment."

Scotillo also suggested Grant make other friends, reminding him that, "we're known by the company we keep." The court also reminded Grant that if he fails to complete boot camp, he faces four to 15 years in prison.

The outcome satisfied the victim, who embraced a member of Grant's family following the hearing, saying she hopes he gets the help he needs.