Elgin Man Robbed Victim He Lured Over Dating App: Authorities

An Elgin man faces criminal charges for allegedly robbing someone he apparently lured to the scene using a dating app. Steven L. Ward, Jr., remains in custody on a robbery charge in connection with the Jan. 9 incident. On that date, Ward took an iPhone from the victim by indicating he was armed with a firearm while displaying a BB pistol, according to charging documents.

Prior to the encounter, the victim had arranged to meet someone he had been communicating with through a dating app. When the victim showed up, Ward robbed him, according to authorities.

Ward, of the 200 block of Crystal Avenue, appeared in bond court last week. His bail has been set at $50,000.

He is next expected in court on Jan. 17.

If convicted in the robbery charge, Ward faces etween 4 and 15 years in prison.

PHOTO VIA THE KANE COUNTY STATE’S ATTORNEY’S OFFICE