Chicago man gets 25 years in prison for series of armed robberies

ROCKFORD, IL — A Chicago man, Johnathan Byars, 26, has been sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for committing a series of armed robberies of cellphone stores in Illinois. The incidents occurred in 2019 and 2020, with Byars and his accomplices committing six robberies and attempting to commit two more in various locations, including Lansing, Bloomington, Rockford, Joliet, Coal City, Mokena, Aurora and Woodridge.

Byars had already pleaded guilty last year to charges of robbery and firearms offenses. U.S. District Judge Philip G. Reinhard imposed the sentence on July 16, reflecting the seriousness of the crimes, which included threatening and physically assaulting store employees while stealing money and merchandise.

Assistant District Attorney Theodora Anderson emphasized the danger Byars posed to the community by orchestrating multiple armed robberies in several jurisdictions, often threatening to use 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 people involved in the robbery were also convicted and given prison sentences ranging from seven to 12 years.