Attorney General Kwame Raoul credits the Illinois Gaming Board with helping to break up a video gaming theft ring in Chicago and beyond.
The AG’s office charged five men on Wednesday, Aug. 21, for their roles in a string of thefts between January and November 2023. The thefts impacted “dozens of businesses and counties, targeting gas stations, bars, and small video gaming machine parlors,” according to Raoul.
“These arrests are the result of countless hours of investigative work and close collaborations between my office and several law enforcement agencies,” he said. “I would like to thank the Illinois Gaming Board and the agencies that participated in this complex investigation. I look forward to continuing similar partnerships that help us hold criminals accountable across jurisdictions.”
Illinois prosecutors suspect five men worked together to steal over $100,000 from video gaming machines in:
- Cook County
- the “Collar” counties of DuPage, Kane, Lake, and Will
- Kendall, Champaign, Tazewell, DeWitt, Peoria, Kankakee, and McLean counties.
Video Gaming Theft Suspects Face 57 Felony Counts
The Illinois Gaming Board referred the case to the Illinois AG’s office and partnered with local law enforcement agencies.
IGB Administrator Marcus Fruchter said his agency was pleased to help in “dismantling this video gaming burglary ring and bringing these criminals to justice.” He added:
“The IGB will continue working with our state and local partners on criminal investigations statewide to ensure and uphold the integrity and safety of gaming in Illinois.”
Altogether, the five suspects face a combined 57 felony charges.
John Friedrich, 35, of Streator
- Theft between $10,000 and $100,000, a Class 2 felony.
- Six counts of burglary, Class 2 felonies.
- Money laundering, a Class 3 felony.
Joseph Montoro, 39, of Berwyn
- Theft between $100,000 and $500,000, a Class 1 felony.
- Money laundering, a Class 2 felony.
- 20 counts of burglary, Class 2 felonies.
- Attempted burglary, a Class 3 felony.
Sebastian Perez, 41, of Chicago
- Theft between $500 and $10,000, a Class 3 felony.
- Two counts of burglary, Class 2 felonies.
- Attempted burglary, a Class 3 felony.
Jacob Sickel, 20, of Brookfield
- Theft between $10,000 and $100,000, a Class 2 felony.
- 10 counts of burglary, Class 2 felonies.
- Attempted burglary, a Class 3 felony.
Don Wiley, 53, of University Park
- Theft between $10,000 and $100,000, a Class 2 felony.
- Eight counts of burglary, Class 2 felonies.
- Attempted burglary, a Class 3 felony.
Friedrich Still At Large
Circuit court officials scheduled initial appearances for the defendants in DuPage County — with one exception. Authorities are still looking for John Friedrich, the 35-year-old from Streator.
“The public is encouraged to contact local law enforcement if anyone knows Friedrich’s whereabouts,” Raoul’s statement said.
A Statewide Grand Jury Bureau will review the evidence. Illinois statute authorizes the grand jury to prosecute multi-county cases involving drugs, money laundering, guns, or electronics. Raoul assigned Bureau Chief Gregg Gansmann to prosecute the case.
Video game terminals join lottery games, Illinois casinos, and online Illinois sports betting as legal gaming options in the Land of Lincoln. Most gaming cabinets feature digital slots or card games.
About the Author
