DeKalb County teen sentenced to 5 years for botched bank heist

A DeKalb County teen found guilty in July of attempted armed robbery was sentenced Friday to five years in prison.

McHenry County Judge Joseph Condon handed down the sentence to Matthew G. Reno, 20, of Hinckley, for his role in an unsuccessful stickup of the Midwest Bank in Union in March 2008.

"What I remember most is the fear in Sarah Lechner's voice almost two years after," Condon said. "In my opinion, using a firearm to instill fear ... for the sake of money is absolutely intolerable."

Relatives and friends of Reno sat in the courtroom, some audibly sobbing during the hearing. Reno's mother, aunt and cousin read statements defending their relative. His mother also explained how Reno never had the chance to grieve the deaths of his father or grandfather who both died suddenly before the trial began. She also told the court about a medical condition that may predispose Reno to a brain aneurysm.

Reno made a brief statement before Condon announced the sentence.

"I can't say I am guilty," a tearful Reno said. "I want the opportunity to prove that I am not that kind of person."

A jury on Jan. 28 found Reno not guilty of armed robbery for the March 10, 2008 holdup of Castle Bank, 11700 Route 47, in Huntley. Reno would have faced a minimum 21 years in prison if found guilty.

Reno and lifelong friend Justin Fasel have been linked to bank robberies in Elburn and in the Kendall County community of Millbrook. Fasel told authorities he and Reno were responsible, but they were not charged in either incident.

Fasel, who was charged as Reno's accomplice and getaway driver in the Union holdup, testified against Reno in a deal with prosecutors that allowed him to go to a prison boot camp instead of prison.

Reno will receive credit for the 76 days he has already served.