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| David Shabazz (inset) allegedly beat the man during a robbery in the 1000 block of West Barry. | Google, CPD |
A 21-year-old street gang member accused of beating a 63-year-old world-renowned expert on ancient Egypt with a handgun during a robbery in Lakeview last summer has reached a plea deal.
David Shabazz pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated battery in a public place and received a 13-year sentence. In exchange, prosecutors dropped fifteen other charges: two counts of armed robbery; eight counts of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon; three additional counts of aggravated battery; two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm; and one count of unlawful restraint.
Shabazz and Juwan Askew were accused of tackling, beating, and robbing the man at gunpoint near his home in the 1000 block of West Barry on a Sunday afternoon last July. Askew is due back in court on September 18.
Four months before the robbery, Shabazz was arrested in Boystown and charged with brandishing a replica firearm during a fight on Halsted Street.
Days later, a Cook County judge threw out the weapons charge against David Shabazz finding “no probable cause” despite statements by multiple witnesses and police officers’ own reports of recovering a Sig Sauer blue steel air pistol from Shabazz’s coat.
Cops say he is a member of the Traveling Vice Lords street gang.
Ax Threat Brings Probation
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| Kardasz | Chicago Police Dept |
It’ll be four-years probation for a Lakeview man who was accused of storming into his ex-girlfriend’s home and threatening to kill her new boyfriend with an ax two years ago.
Joseph Kardasz, 29, of the 3100 block of Southport reached a plea deal with prosecutors and was handed the sentence late last month.
Kardasz was accused of forcing his way into the woman’s home in the 1600 block of Wrightwood around 3:30AM on July 4th, 2015, while threatening, “I’m going to kill [the new boyfriend] right in front of you!”
Prosecutors said Kardasz swung the small ax several times, striking the boyfriend on his hand and forearm, causing minor cuts and lacerations.
A charge of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon was reduced to residential burglary in the plea deal. Charges of home invasion and aggravated unlawful restraint were dropped.
Prison (Finally) For Third Robbery Conviction
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| Farley | Chicago Police Dept |
A 22-year-old Morgan Park man who was given probation for robbing two women at gunpoint in Lakeview last December has received a slightly stiffer sentence for his third hold-up.
Weeks after getting the probation sentence for the December muggings earlier this year, Jwan Farley was charged with a third robbery that took place in the 800 block of West Fletcher two months before he robbed the women.
That third case just wrapped up with Farley pleading guilty to robbery and the court sentencing him to four years. Farley will be eligible for parole in March 2019.
Milwaukee Women Sentenced For Lincoln Park Mugging
Two Milwaukee women who went missing after being accused of mugging a Lincoln Park woman have reached plea bargains.
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| Bass (left) and Franklin | Illinois Dept of Corrections; Chicago police |
Prosecutors accused 36-year-old Ellise Franklin and 37-year-old Tamisha Bass with knocking the victim to the ground and wrestling away her purse in the 2600 block of North Lincoln on October 8, 2016.
Franklin received 24-months probation and Bass was given a 3-year prison sentence in exchange for their pleas.
Bass was on probation for retail theft at the time of the robbery, according to Wisconsin state records. Her criminal history includes several shoplifting and fraud convictions, the state said.
Despite the nature of the crime, Bass’ history, and the fact that they lived in Milwaukee, a judge gave both women relatively low bonds. They posted bond, then went missing. Both were recaptured earlier this year.
A court record says that Judge Joseph Panarese was not aware of “all necessary information” when he set the low bond amounts.
