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An 18-year-old man is going through felony costs after allegedly terrorizing a DePaul College scholar in a protracted theft and extortion scheme that started aboard a Crimson Line prepare in Lincoln Park and resulted in a South Aspect alley.
In a detention submitting, prosecutors mentioned Ricky Willis and one other man who stays at giant boarded a southbound Crimson Line prepare at Argyle within the early hours of September 6. After they reached Fullerton, an 18-year-old DePaul scholar boarded the prepare. They backed him right into a nook and demanded cash whereas threatening to kill him, in keeping with prosecutors.
After gaining management of the person’s cellphone, Willis and his confederate tried to switch cash to themselves from the sufferer’s banking account, however the try was blocked attributable to suspected fraud, the detention petition mentioned. Unable to get cash from the sufferer immediately, the pair allegedly extorted cash from the sufferer’s family and friends.
First, Willis and the confederate contacted the coed’s sister utilizing his cellphone, warning her that he could be killed if she didn’t ship money, in keeping with prosecutors. Out of concern, she Zelled $700 to Willis’ cellphone quantity.
The boys additionally contacted the sufferer’s roommate, who despatched $100 by means of Money App to an account within the title “Ricky Willis,” prosecutors mentioned. After they referred to as the sufferer’s mom, a language barrier and her lack of familiarity with digital banking prevented her from sending cash, in keeping with the allegations.
Because the prepare approached 63rd Road, the boys allegedly threatened to kill the sufferer if he tried to flee. They allegedly claimed to have automated weapons and warned he would “find yourself useless in a ditch” if he disobeyed. After forcing him off the prepare, Willis and his confederate marched him to a close-by alley, took his driver’s license, photographed his Social Safety card, and demanded his addresses, prosecutors mentioned. They then gave him a cellphone quantity, informed him they’d be contacting him weekly for funds, and threatened to kill him if he didn’t comply.
“I’ll kill you,” Willis allegedly informed him. “That is life or loss of life.”
Over the subsequent week, the sufferer acquired calls from the quantity Willis allegedly supplied, however he didn’t pay any extra money. Chicago police subsequently issued a group alert with surveillance photos of the robbers. A housing employee acknowledged Willis and the confederate as residents of a property the place they labored.
Throughout questioning, Willis admitted he was the particular person within the surveillance picture and informed investigators he “tousled,” in keeping with prosecutors. His confederate has been recognized however has not but been arrested.
Willis is charged with aggravated theft, intimidation, and illegal restraint. Decide John Hock ordered him detained pending trial.
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