Man pleads guilty to stealing tools in Elk Grove

A Hillside man pleaded guilty to stealing tools from an Elk Grove Village location and selling them at a Stone Park pawnshop.

In exchange for Bernard Branch's guilty plea to theft, Cook County Judge Thomas Fecarotta sentenced the 48-year-old to four years in prison and ordered him to pay $689 in fines.

Apologizing to the court, Branch recounted how he has benefited from the substance abuse treatment he received during his 564 days in custody at the Cook County jail.

"I found out some things about me," said Branch, who, according to prosecutors, has been convicted of burglary, attempted burglary and possession of a stolen motor vehicle.

Saying he needs to work on his mind, Branch asked Fecarotta recommend he receive substance abuse treatment in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Fecarotta granted his request.

Branch must complete at least 50 percent of his sentence before he is eligible for parole.