Two convicted felons—one who’s been sentenced to a combined 60 years in prison since 1982 and the other who is on parole after serving 10 years for armed robbery in Wisconsin—are facing burglary charges for separate incidents in our neighborhood this week, court records show.
In the first case, a resident reported seeing a man dragging a city trash can down an alley in the 1200 and 1300 blocks of W. Belmont and filling it with property from nearby garages and cars around 9 o’clock Wednesday evening.
Cops caught up with career criminal Jerry Cotton nearby and allegedly found property belonging to several people in his possession.
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| Cotton |
Cotton, of the Washington Heights neighborhood, is charged with one count of burglary, one count of theft of lost or mislaid property, and one count of theft. His bail is set at $50,000.
The 53-year-old has been sentenced to a more than 60 years in prison over the past 33 years, yet he manages to keep finding his way out. He’s currently on parole for burglary.
Cotton’s previous prison stints include:
• 1 year for shoplifting in 2010
• 4 years for attempt burglary in 2008
• 3 years for shoplifting in 2007
• 1 year for shoplifting in 2004
• Another 2 years for shoplifting in 2004
• 18 months for shoplifting in 2002
• 8 years for burglary in 2000
• 6 years for burglary in 1999
• 7 years for burglary in 1995
• 10 years for armed robbery in 1987
• 10 years for burglary in 1982
• Another 7 years for buglary in 1982
• Yet ANOTHER 7 years—this time for robbery—in 1982.
Kenmore Case
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| Stovall |
In the second incident, police arrested Bashiek Stovall, 40, after witnesses reported seeing him trying to break into an apartment in the 3700 block of N. Kenmore around 10 o’clock last night.
Police engaged several subjects in foot chases that ended quickly nearby.
Stovall—who is supposed to be on active community supervision after being released from a Wisconsin prison where he served 10 years for armed robbery—is charged with theft and criminal trespass to land. He is being held without bond.
Stovall’s previous convictions as a Cheesehead include retail theft, battery, being a felon in possession of a firearm and, as Wisconsin quaintly phrases it, “operating a vehicle without owner’s consent.”
Despite his Wisconsin roots, Stovall last night provided arresting officers with a home address in Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood.
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| Gentry (L) and Rose. |
Police say the other men who were arrested with Stovall after foot chases are Amire Rose, 19, of the South Shore neighborhood and Jymal Gentry, 22, also of the South Shore neighborhood.
Gentry, charged with reckless conduct, is on parole for burglary in Illinois. Court records show that his prison sentences include:
• 6 years for burglary in Cook County in 2011
• 6 years for burglary in Will County in 2011
• 6 years for possessing a stolen vehicle in Will County in 2011
• 6 years for receiving/possessing a stolen vehicle in Will County in 2011.
Despite that, Gentry is free on a recognizance bond.
Rose is charged with disorderly conduct and criminal trespass to land. His bond status is not currently known.
Burgl-icious!
Unsolved burglaries reported in our area over the past few days include:
• 700 block of Diversey. Office. Tuesday.
• 700 block of Diversey (again). Apartment. Unlawful entry. Tuesday.
• 700 block of Cornelia. Apartment. Forced entry. Tuesday.
• 800 block of Altgeld. Apartment. Wednesday
• 700 block of Wellington. Apartment. Thursday.
Images: Lexington Prosecutor (revolving door) and Chicago Police Department
