Man faces sentencing for December 2011 armed robbery

Online Staff Report

Vernon L. Smith, 32, was found guilty of armed robbery after a jury trial, Winnebago County State’s Attorney Joe Bruscato (D) announced Feb. 12.

Dec. 7, 2011, a male individual boarded a Rockford city bus in which Smith was also riding. When the male individual got off the bus, Smith got off as well.

As the male individual walked down East State Street near Highland, Smith drew a gun and demanded the male individual to give him his money.

The male, who had withdrawn money from an ATM prior to boarding the bus, complied with Smith’s demand.

As Smith fled the scene, the male victim called for police assistance. A police foot chase pursued, and as Smith fled along North Prospect Street, officers retrieved the male victim’s discarded ATM card, more than $400 in U.S. currency as well as the firearm and bullets.

Armed robbery is a Class X felony with a sentencing range of six to 30 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. However, when a firearm is used in the commission of the crime, sentencing enhancements apply. Therefore, the sentencing range is 21-45 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Sentencing is scheduled for March 22 at 10 a.m. in courtroom 314.

Posted Feb. 12, 2013

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