By Dee Longfellow
For The Elmhurst Independent
According to a release issued by the office of the U.S. Attorney, two men have been indicted for the armed robbery of a gas station in Elmhurst, as well as a series of armed robberies, which took place at various automatic teller machines (ATMs) throughout the western suburbs in 2015.
On Wednesday, March 30, a federal grand jury indicted Kenneth Hayes, 21, of Carpentersville, and Antonio Dunner, 22, of Elgin, on charges of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by threats or violence; five counts of interfering with commerce by threats of violence; and, two counts of carrying, using or brandishing a firearm in connection with a crime of violence.
The indictment also accuses Hayes and Dunner of robbing an Elmhurst gas station at gunpoint on Nov. 1.
The U.S. Attorney reported that the two men hide in locations near ATMs, watch for potential victims to use the cash machine, then come out and commit the ATM robberies. The indictment said Hayes and Dunner often wore disguises and reportedly verbally threatened their victims while stealing not only their cash but also their cell phones, so the police could not be called.
If convicted, the conspiracy charge and each count of the interference of commerce charge carries a maximum of 20 years in prison. The first count of the firearm charge carries a mandatory minimum of seven years, and the second count carries a mandatory minimum of 25 years.
The public is reminded that an indictment contains only charges and is not proof of a defendant’s guilt.
