A Plainfield man has been convicted and sentenced to nine years in prison for his involvement in a video gaming theft ring that operated statewide. Officials report that the thieves stole over $400,000 by specifically targeting video gaming terminals.
The group primarily operated in northern and eastern Illinois, but officials report that they also extended their reach to Mason County in central Illinois.
In addition, three additional individuals were detained in connection with the case. The thefts were investigated by Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s office, in collaboration with the Illinois Gaming Board, Illinois State Police, and local law enforcement agencies.
Four accused of burglarizing businesses, stealing cash from VGTs
Brian Morgan, a 42-year-old man from Plainfield in Will County, was sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to burglary and theft charges. Attorney General Kwame Raoul made the announcement, stating that Morgan had broken into businesses and stolen cash from VGTs. Morgan admitted to the charges in Lee Circuit Court.
In August 2022, charges were filed by the Attorney General’s office against four individuals, one of whom was Morgan. The AG accused them of committing burglaries at various businesses in Illinois and stealing approximately $400,000 from video gaming machines.
“Raoul stated that the burglary ring targeted bars, restaurants, social clubs, and small businesses with video poker and gaming machines. They allegedly broke into numerous establishments across multiple counties, stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash from the machines. The successful resolution of this case was made possible by the extensive collaboration between Raoul’s office and various law enforcement agencies. Raoul expressed gratitude to the agencies that worked together on the investigation, ultimately dismantling the burglary operation and ensuring accountability for its members.”
Additionally, Morgan admitted guilt to a Class 1 felony theft charge, resulting in a nine-year prison sentence. He also acknowledged guilt in a Class 2 felony burglary charge, leading to another nine-year prison term. It is important to mention that these sentences will be served concurrently. Currently, Morgan is in prison serving a separate sentence for unrelated charges.
Investigation is ongoing
The theft ring is alleged to have targeted numerous businesses across multiple counties, including Carroll, DeKalb, Grundy, Iroquois, Jo Daviess, Kane, Kendall, LaSalle, Lee, Mason, McLean, Ogle, and Will counties.
Illinois Gaming Board administrator Marcus Fruchter praised the collaborative efforts of the Illinois Gaming Board, the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, Illinois State Police, and other law enforcement agencies across the state in dismantling and bringing to justice those involved in the video gaming burglary ring. Fruchter affirmed that the Gaming Board will persist in working closely with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to safeguard the integrity and security of gaming in Illinois.
Illinois State Police Director Brendan F. Kelly has stated that his office will collaborate with law enforcement partners to thoroughly investigate these criminal acts. They are committed to supporting the Attorney General’s Office in ensuring that those who violate the law are brought to justice.
It is currently unknown what charges will be brought against Morgan’s accomplices. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Andrew Whitfield on behalf of Raoul’s Statewide Grand Jury Bureau.
