ROCKFORD, IL — A Chicago man, Johnathan Byars, 26, has been sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for conducting a series of armed robberies targeting cell phone stores across Illinois. These incidents occurred in 2019 and 2020, during which Byars and his accomplices committed six robberies and attempted two more across various locations including Lansing, Bloomington, Rockford, Joliet, Coal City, Mokena, Aurora, and Woodridge.
Byars had previously admitted guilt to charges of robbery and firearms offenses last year. U.S. District Judge Philip G. Reinhard imposed the sentence on July 16, reflecting the severity of the crimes which involved threatening and physically assaulting store employees while stealing cash and merchandise.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Theodora Anderson emphasized the danger Byars posed to the community by orchestrating multiple armed robberies across different jurisdictions, often involving the threatening use of a firearm against employees.
The sentencing was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Christopher Amon, Special Agent-in-Charge of the ATF’s Chicago Field Division. Their efforts were supported by multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Illinois State Police and several local police departments.
Four other individuals involved in the robbery spree have also been convicted and sentenced, receiving prison terms ranging from seven to twelve years.
