Getaway driver likely headed to boot camp after testifying against friend

A DeKalb County man linked to multiple suburban bank heists in 2008 was sentenced today to eight years in prison, but instead probably will be heading to a prison boot camp for the next four to six months.

Justin E. Fasel, 19, of Hinckley, received the sentence as part of a plea deal in which he admitted to a charge of attempted armed robbery stemming from a foiled holdup of Midwest Bank in Union.

Under the agreement, a judge recommended that Fasel be admitted to the state's Impact Incarceration Program, a 120- to 180-day boot camp for young, nonviolent offenders. Inmates in the military-style program undergo physical training and perform labor intensive public service work such as highway cleanup, cemetery maintenance and cleaning state parks.

If he completes the program successfully, Fasel will be released after graduation. If he fails, or is not admitted, he will serve the 8-year prison term.

His attorney, Paul Hendley, declined to comment today.

McHenry County prosecutors offered Fasel the deal in return for his testimony at two trials against co-defendant Matthew G. Reno. Fasel told jurors at both trials he acted as getaway driver while longtime friend Reno, 20, of Hinckley, robbed or tried to rob banks in Huntley and Union armed with a handgun.

Despite Fasel's testimony, a jury earlier this year acquitted Reno of charges he robbed Huntley's Castle Bank on March 10, 2008. A second jury in July, however, convicted Reno of attempted armed robbery for the March 24, 2008, Union holdup up that was foiled when a bank customer tried to take his gun away from him. Reno now faces up to 15 years in prison when sentenced next month.

Fasel told authorities he and Reno also were responsible for bank heists in Elburn and in Millbrook, in Kendall County, but they were not charged in either incident.