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Press Release

Three Chicago-Area Men Plead Guilty to Robberies of Rockford-Area Cell Phone Stores

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Illinois

ROCKFORD — Three Chicago-area men have pleaded guilty to the robberies of Rockford-area cell phone stores. 

NARCELLUS J. TAYLOR JR., also known as “J.T.,” 23, of Chicago, HERMAN L. DOSS JR., 27, of Dolton, and MARIO J. ANDERSON, 25, of Riverdale, admitted to conspiring with each other to steal cellular telephones and computers from stores in Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana.  Anderson and Doss pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Philip G. Reinhard, while Taylor pleaded guilty on Sept. 21, 2018.  Taylor and Doss each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit robbery, three counts of robbery by threatened force, and one count of using a firearm during a crime of violence, while Anderson pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit robbery, two counts of robbery by threatened force, and one count of using a firearm during a crime of violence.

According to written plea agreements, between Aug. 5, 2016, and Jan. 6, 2016, Taylor conspired with Anderson, Doss and others to rob certain cellular telephone and electronics stores.  Taylor identified the stores and paid others, including Anderson and Doss, to commit the robberies at his direction.  The men conducted surveillance and communicated with other individuals during the robberies.  After the robberies were completed, Taylor took the stolen items to Chicago where he sold them.  Taylor then determined the amount each defendant received from the proceeds based upon their roles in the robberies.  Taylor admitted to conspiring to commit eight robberies, five of which Doss participated in, and four of which Anderson participated in.  Taylor admitted that the local robberies included one on Dec. 2, 2016, of a Best Buy in DeKalb, and two with Doss and Anderson at the Simply Mac store in Cherry Valley, on Dec. 16, 2016, and Jan. 6, 2017.  The three defendants admitted to using firearms during the Jan. 6, 2017, robbery.

Each count of robbery carries a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release of up to three years following imprisonment, and a fine of up to $250,000.  Using a firearm during a crime of violence carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, with a mandatory minimum sentence of 7 years and a term of supervised release of up to five years, which is required to be consecutive to any other sentence imposed, as well as a fine of up to $250,000. The actual sentence for each defendant will be determined by the United States District Court, guided by the Sentencing Guidelines.

Sentencing for Anderson is scheduled for May 13, 2019, at 9:00 a.m.  Sentencing for Doss is scheduled for May 13, 2019, at 10:30 a.m.

The guilty pleas were announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Jeffrey S. Sallet, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The federal investigation was conducted by the FBI-led Rockford Area Violent Gang Task Force, which includes law enforcement officers and agents from the FBI, Rockford Police Department, Loves Park Police Department and Freeport Police Department.  The Illinois State Police, Cherry Valley Police Department, Rockford Police Department, DeKalb Police Department, Burbank Police Department, Crestwood Police Department, Kenosha (Wisc.) Police Department, and Valparaiso (Ind.) Police Department also assisted in the investigation.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Pedersen.

Updated December 21, 2018

Topics
Firearms Offenses
Violent Crime