CHICAGO —After DNA tests linked him to a bloody t-shirt found at the crime scene, a Chicago man was charged Thursday with looting a currency exchange during civil unrest nearly three years ago.
The Humboldt Park storefront at 3401 West North Avenue was one of countless businesses targeted during three days of widespread looting in the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder by a Minneapolis police officer.
Surveillance video from the currency exchange showed Khalil Raggs, 25, using a crowbar to pry the business’ door open around 11 p.m. on May 31, 2020, Assistant State’s Attorney Victor Aberdeen said during Raggs’ bail hearing.
Aberdeen said Raggs and others loaded about $2,000 worth of coins into a trash can and hauled it away.
But,unfortunately for Raggs, he cut his hand while forcing the door open, leaving blood drops on the currency exchange floor, Aberdeen said. Video footage also allegedly showed Raggs taking off his t-shirt, wiping his bloody hand with it, and leaving it behind.
Investigators submitted the t-shirt for DNA testing, and the results came back showing Raggs as a match, according to Aberdeen.
Raggs is charged with looting by an individual and burglary. Aberdeen said he also has a pending stolen motor vehicle and burglary case pending from December.
His criminal background includes five felony convictions, including two for aggravated driving and one for aggravated unlawful use of a weapon in 2021, Aberdeen said.
Raggs lives with his girlfriend and young children and has worked for a mechanic shop for ten years, his lawyer said Thursday.
Judge Charles Beach set bail at $20,000. Raggs must post 10% of that to get out of jail.
