Accused Highland Park shooter’s father released after serving half of 60-day sentence
The father of the man accused of killing seven people at the 2022 Highland Park Independence Day parade was released from jail Wednesday after serving half his 60-day sentence on charges of reckless conduct.
In a negotiated deal, Robert Crimo Jr., in early November pleaded guilty to seven counts of reckless conduct for helping his son acquire a Firearm Owner’s Identification card.
The deal, announced just before his trial was to begin, also called for two years probation, 100 hours of community service and required Crimo Jr., pay court costs and give up his FOID card and all his weapons. He served 28 days and received two days credit for time served.
“Under the reckless conduct statute, anyone convicted of the felony, or the misdemeanor receives credit for each day that they follow the jail rules,” according to Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart. “He will be monitored by probation, lose all access to firearms, and face consequences of any violation,” he added.
Crimo Jr., 59, of Highwood initially was charged with seven felony reckless conduct charges — one for each person killed in the mass shooting — alleging he helped his then-underage son obtain a FOID card in 2019. The charges were reduced to misdemeanors as part of the plea arrangement.
At the time, Rinehart said the legal system found Crimo Jr., “bears responsibility for endangering so many and he himself has agreed that this was a crime.”
Robert Crimo III, 22, is charged with 21 counts of first-degree murder, 48 counts of attempted murder and 48 counts of aggravated battery. He has pleaded not guilty and in a court appearance Monday asked to be allowed to represent himself in the criminal trial.
When questioned by Lake County Judge Victoria Rossetti, the accused shooter said he understood the consequences of the charges and that he had no courtroom experience. He also invoked his right to a speedy trial. The trial date was set for Feb. 26.
After a hearing when the plea was announced, Crimo Jr.’s attorney, George Gomez, read a statement on his client’s behalf. He said had Crimo Jr.’s case gone to trial, potential key evidence would be publicly disclosed, jeopardizing his son’s right to a fair trial.
Crimo Jr., surrendered and began serving his jail sentence on Nov. 15. He arrived at the Lake County courthouse wearing a T-shirt reading “I’m A Political Pawn” on the front and “LAWS FACTS REALITY” on the back.
Before the hearing Judge George Strickland ordered Crimo Jr., to turn the shirt inside out. After the hearing, Crimo Jr., was taken to Lake County jail and processed including having a new mug shot taken while wearing the T-shirt inside out.