WGLT
For the more than 40 alleged looters, the insistence by judges that defendants pay restitution to businesses and the Bloomington and Normal police departments has added massive potential debt to the long-term consequences of their misconduct.
Looters who stormed several local businesses and damaged police cars last summer are facing serious financial and legal consequences for the civil unrest, including restitution of more than $100,000, in cases resolved so far.
For the more than 40 alleged looters, the insistence by judges that defendants pay restitution to businesses and the Bloomington and Normal police departments has added massive potential debt to the long-term consequences of their misconduct.
Looters Owe $100,000-Plus In Damages For Civil Unrest peoriapublicradio.org - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from peoriapublicradio.org Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Charlie Schlenker / WGLT
Looters who stormed several local businesses and damaged police cars last summer are facing serious financial and legal consequences for the civil unrest, including restitution of more than $100,000, in cases resolved so far.
For the more than 40 alleged looters, the insistence by judges that defendants pay restitution to businesses and the Bloomington and Normal police departments has added massive potential debt to the long-term consequences of their misconduct.
The first indication that the felony cases could be subject to harsh punishment came in September when Judge William Yoder rejected a negotiated plea agreement worked out between the state and Anthony Crose. Unlike many of his co-defendants, Crose had a pending case (an aggravated DUI) when he was charged with mob action in connection with the looting incidents.
Ryan Denham / WGLT
In a sentence contrary to a state recommendation for probation, a judge on Wednesday sentenced a Bloomington man to 4½ years in prison and ordered him to pay restitution to the Town of Normal for damages to police squad cars caused by looters earlier this year.
Anthony Crose was the first of more than 40 people to be sentenced by Judge William Yoder on charges related to the summer break-ins and thefts at several businesses, following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. The large crowds seen on security video storming Target in Normal also damaged police vehicles and pelted officers with frozen water bottles, according to police.