A Rockford man, named Katrail Bridges, has been hit with a federal prison sentence of over seven years for his involvement in a spate of robberies targeting electronics stores. Bridges' sentence comes after a four-day jury trial held in March, where he was convicted of conspiracy to commit robbery charges, according to a release by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Illinois.
Bridges, now 32, signed up to be part of a conspiracy and actively took part in robberies at two stores. The incidents occurred at a Best Buy in DeKalb, on Dec. 2, 2016, and a Simply Mac store in Cherry Valley, on December 16, 2016. Reports indicate that the robbers used pepper spray against employees to subdue them and then made off with more than $22,000 in electronics. Eight other individuals are facing charges in relation to these assaults on retail outlets.
U.S. District Judge Iain D. Johnston laid down the law this past Thursday, assigning Bridges an 87-month stay behind bars. This decision was publicized by the Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Morris Pasqual, and the Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the FBI, Douglas S. DePodesta. Their statements were part of a detailed announcement that underscored the concerted effort of several law enforcement agencies, including the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office, Cherry Valley Police Department, and DeKalb Police Department.
The government's case against Bridges was presented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Ladd and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirstin J. Krivanec.
