February 06, 2004

Police seek 4 men after armed robbery

by Pete Rosenbery

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Police are seeking four Chicago-area men in connection with an armed robbery of a Southern Illinois University Carbondale student last month.

The incident occurred at about 9 p.m., Jan. 25, in the stairwell of a residence hall on campus. The 19-year-old male student told police he was robbed at gunpoint of an undisclosed amount of cash. He was not injured in the robbery.

None of the four men are students. Each faces one count of armed robbery and aggravated robbery. The charges allege the use of a handgun.

Jackson County State's Attorney Mike Wepsiec's office filed charges last week against Damien N. Moore, 19, of Streamwood. On Thursday, Feb. 5, Wepsiec's office filed charges against Alvin Clark, 19, of Schaumburg; Rayverus M. Ellis, 19, of Chicago; and Jonathon K. Watson, 19, of Hoffman Estates.

The four men were visiting students on campus, said SIUC Department of Public Safety Capt. Todd Sigler. Police do not believe the four men are in the area.

Armed robbery is a Class X felony, where a conviction carries a potential sentence of six to 30 years in prison, with no possibility of probation. Aggravated robbery is a Class 1 felony, with a possible sentence of four to 15 years in prison. Up to four years probation is also possible.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the four suspects should call the SIUC Department of Public Safety at 618/453-2381, the Crime Stopper Line at 618/549-COPS, or their local law enforcement agency.