Teen Burglars Plead Guilty, Get Probation

Two Deerfield teens arrested for invading a Highland Park home nearly a year ago were sentenced to two years probation today after pleading guilty to one of the charges against them in Lake County Criminal Court in Waukegan.

Joshua Norris and Joseph Mahoney, both 18, admitted to possessing marijuana with intent to distribute, a Class 4 Felony. All other charges, including home invasion and burglary, were dismissed.

In addition to complying with the terms of probation for two years, Mahoney and Norris must perform 200 hours of public service and pay $3,460.64 in fines and costs. Should they not comply, Lake County Criminal Court Judge Daniel Shanes indicated he would impose a more harsh punishment.

“I know each of you have to understand in you violate (the term of probation) I can sentence you to prison,” Shanes said as he was explaining the terms of the plea agreement.

Shanes imposed the sentence after a conference with Mahoney lawyer Chris Cronson, Robert Gevirtz, Norris’s counsel and Assistant State’s Attorney Steve Scheller. The three lawyers explained the agreement to Shanes who accepted it.

Shanes made it clear part of the reason for probation were mitigating circumstances arising from a stealth burglary August 2 in Deerfield when the defendants stole a gun, the day before they were arrested for invading a Highland Park home.

“Fortunately no bodily harm occurred,” Shanes said. “You went to a home in Deerfield, talked your way in and stole an item. The people in Deerfield knew you. They felt consequences were in order but wanted you to get probation so you could learn from your mistakes.”

One of the occupants of the Highland Park home Norris and Mahoney were accused of invading, Jacob Lynn, was an uncooperative witness which was another reason Shanes felt probation was in order.

“At the second house, the person you were planning to rob was someone who sells drugs,” Shanes said. “Needless to say he was not a cooperative witness.” Lynn was arrested for possession of cannabis with intent to sell in September and was sentenced to probation in May.

Arrested August 3 before their senior year in high school began, Mahoney and Norris have both earned a diploma from Deerfield High School though they spent the year studying elsewhere while free on bond. They are both continuing their education and will keep doing so.