Suspects in Oct. 1 attempted robbery of Marie’s Pizza face murder, robbery charges

Online Staff Report

Winnebago County State’s Attorney Joe Bruscato announced Oct. 20 that charges have been filed against three suspects in the Oct. 1 attempted robbery of Rockford’s Marie’s Pizza.

Desmond Bellmon, 23, of Rockford; Brandon Sago, 22, of Rockford; and Lamar Coates, 23, of Rockford, face the following charges:

First-degree murder — Eight counts, class M felony, with four counts having a sentencing range of 20-60 years and four counts having a sentencing range of 35 to 75 years;

Attempted first-degree murder — Two counts, class X felony, with a sentencing range of 21-45 years;

Armed robbery — Four counts, class X felony, with a sentencing range of 21-45 years;

Attempted armed robbery — Four counts, class 1 felony, with a sentencing range of four to 15 years; and

Conspiracy to commit armed robbery — Three to total counts (one count each), class 1 felony, with a sentencing range of four to 30 years, extended-term eligible.

At about 10:40 p.m., Oct. 1, four individuals armed with a handgun attempted to rob Marie’s Pizza, 1513 Charles St., Rockford. Following an altercation over the weapon, 29-year-old off-duty sheriff’s deputy Frank Pobjecky shot all four suspects — Bellmon, Brandon Sago, Coates and Michael D. Sago, 16, of Rockford.

Michael Sago died on the scene at 1:20 a.m. as a result of his wounds.

The Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office announced Oct. 20 that Pobjecky had been cleared for duty following an investigation into his actions.

Pobjecky had been on paid administrative leave, standard department procedure for these types of incidents.

Marie’s Pizza is owned by Vince and Maria Tarara of Belvidere.