Ex-Warrenville alderman pleads guilty to theft — again

A former Warrenville alderman faces up to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty Tuesday to felony theft charges for the second time in two years.

Christopher Halley, 28, pleaded guilty to charges alleging he stole a friend’s watch and took $5,500 from a charity poker business, prosecutors said.

Halley resigned as a city council member in October 2010 after admitting he swindled several people who paid him for tickets to Chicago sporting events and access to other special events, including a photo opportunity with former President George W. Bush. As a result of his criminal history, he now faces an extended term of up to 10 years in prison, prosecutors said.

In the latest case, Halley was accused of stealing a watch from the West Chicago-area home of a former friend.

Assistant State’s Attorney William Wu said Halley sold the watch at a pawnshop, then retrieved it and placed it in the friend’s mailbox after being questioned by police. Wu said Halley had told investigators, “I’m sure it will turn up.”

Halley also pleaded guilty to stealing $5,500 from a fledgling poker business. Wu said Halley told the business owners he could acquire discounted poker tables, chairs, chips and other supplies to be used at charity tournaments, but he ultimately failed to deliver or return their money.

Halley, who was elected in 2007, agreed to leave public office and serve jail time when he pleaded guilty in the earlier case. He was still on probation when he was arrested again in November.

Halley returns to court April 3 for sentencing in front of Judge George Bakalis.