Aaron Thompson, a 29-year-old man from Aurora, has been sentenced to 22 years in prison for his role in a 2020 armed robbery at a Verizon store in Lisle, Illinois. Thompson pleaded guilty to one count of armed robbery with a firearm, a Class X felony.
The robbery occurred on February 1, 2020, at the Verizon store located at 1104 Ogden Avenue. According to prosecutors, Thompson and his cousin, Ezekiel Thompson, entered the store wearing masks and carrying a firearm. Ezekiel allegedly pointed the gun at the store’s lone employee, demanding access to a vault filled with cellphones.
In a harrowing moment, the employee was forced to fill a duffel bag with electronics while pleading for his life. The suspects then bound the employee with zip ties, stole his wallet, car keys, and vehicle, and fled the scene.
Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Lisle, Woodridge, Downers Grove, and Darien Police Departments, the suspects were apprehended in Woodridge after a brief foot chase.
At Aaron Thompson’s sentencing hearing, prosecutors sought the maximum penalty of 45 years. However, Judge Brian Telander imposed a 22-year sentence in the Illinois Department of Corrections.
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin expressed his outrage at the crime, stating, “I cannot begin to imagine the fear that employee must have experienced as he looked down the barrel of a loaded gun. This type of violent crime must be met head-on.” Berlin also praised the efforts of the law enforcement agencies and the assistant state’s attorneys who worked on the case.
The case against co-defendant Ezekiel Thompson is ongoing, with a court date scheduled for January 17, 2025.
This sentencing serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of violent crime and highlights the importance of coordinated efforts among law enforcement to bring offenders to justice. The community can take solace in knowing that justice was served in this case.
