A Chicago man facing charges for a June burglary was ordered to be held after allegedly violating his pre-trial release conditions by committing another theft. DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin and Bloomingdale Director of Public Safety Frank Giammarese announced that Judge Margaret O'Connell revoked the pre-trial release of Robert Layanino, 28, after he was charged with new burglary and retail theft charges.
Last Saturday, Layanino was apprehended following a reported retail theft at Bloomingdale's Dick’s Sporting Goods, mere months after his initial arrest for a similar crime. It is alleged that he stole items totaling over $300. According to the DuPage County State's Attorney's Office, police officers arrested him approximately one mile from the store, shortly after the theft occurred.
In his previous case, it is alleged that Layanino helped himself to thirteen pairs of gym shoes worth over $300 from the Dick’s Warehouse Store in Naperville on June 19, 2024. "Pre-trial release is not intended to give a defendant another opportunity to commit a crime," asserted State’s Attorney Berlin. "Judge O’Connell’s decision to detain Mr. Layanino pre-trial sends a strong message that conditions of pre-trial release are an order of the Court and not optional," he continued in a statement obtained by the DuPage County State's Attorney's Office.
Bloomingdale's public safety chief underscored the broader impact of such crimes, remarking, "Retail theft affects us all and is not a victimless crime." Giammarese credited the swift actions of local police and the support from the State's Attorney's office for the quick apprehension of the suspect. "We take crimes such as alleged in this case very seriously as they result in higher prices for consumers and lost revenue for businesses which in turn can cause lost wages for employees," Giammarese told the DuPage County State's Attorney's Office.
While Layanino’s next court date is scheduled for January 27, 2025, it is important to note that these charges are accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. The legal process will determine Layanino's fate as the judicial system endeavors to uphold the tenets of justice and fairness in the community.
