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| Gerald Harris is seen in mugshots from February (left), March (center) and April. | Chicago Police Department |
How many chances does a paroled burglar get before authorities will finally put him back behind bars?
If that burglar is Gerald Harris, the answer appears to be three.
Harris was released on parole last October after serving 50% of a two-year sentence for stealing a $950 bicycle from a garage in the 1100 block of West Newport.
Since being freed, the 31-year-old has repeatedly been arrested, but his parole was never revoked:
• In February, he was charged with stealing a Milwaukee brand drill set from the Center on Halsted, 3656 North Halsted. He was held on bail, but the Center failed to show up in court, and the charge against Harris was dropped.
One week later, prosecutors took the unusual step of filing a motion to reinstate the COH charges. Judge Anthony Calabrese agreed. The case is pending.)
• On March 21, Harris was accused of repeatedly beating a business owner in the face after the victim confronted him about throwing garbage in front of his shop in the 4500 block of North Ravenswood. Harris was charged with battery and fly dumping before being released on a recognizance bond. His parole was not revoked and he didn’t even appear before a judge to have bail set.
• Last Wednesday, Harris was arrested when he showed up in court for the Center on Halsted case. Detectives had determined that he was responsible for breaking into a 68-year-old woman’s garage and a car in the 1000 block of West Roscoe on March 18, police said.
Charges of burglary were filed against him last week, and a judge (finally) ordered him to be held in lieu of a substantial bond: $50,000.
Despite the fact that he is now facing charges of felony theft, battery, and felony burglary in three separate cases over the course of two months, his parole has still not been revoked.
