Teenage Lake in the Hills robbery suspects plead not guilty

A Lake in the Hills teen formally denied accusations Tuesday he robbed and assaulted a man at knifepoint, getting away with a phone, cash and other items.

Mazin Awwad, 17, asked for a jury trial after pleading not guilty to charges of armed robbery, theft and mob action filed in connection with an early morning holdup April 11 along a Crystal Lake street.

The charges, punishable by a maximum 30 years in prison, allege Awwad and a second teen showed a knife to the 18-year-old victim, shoved him to the ground and stole his belongings.

Awwad, who has been in custody at the McHenry County jail since his arrest a day later, had filed a motion to have his $100,000 bond reduced, but his attorney withdrew the request Tuesday, leaving the teen behind bars until his next court appearance June 2.

His co-defendant, Deante B. Velazquez, 17, of Crystal Lake, also pleaded not guilty and is asking for a jury trial. Velasquez, who faces an additional charge of aggravated battery, remains in custody on $100,000 bond.