Parolee Busted For Burglarizing Unlocked Car: Cops

OAK LAWN, IL -- An Evergreen Park man was arrested Wednesday night after a resident spotted him rummaging through unlocked cars in Oak Lawn, prosecutors said. John Verdino, 42, appeared before Cook County Judge Peter Felice on a felony charge of burglary to a motor vehicle. Verdino is currently on parole from the Illinois Department of Corrections where he had been serving a six-year sentence for possession of a stolen motor vehicle.

At approximately 10:15 p.m. Oct. 10, a resident taking a walk in the 4200 block of West Kathleen Lane saw Verdino allegedly pulling on door handles looking for unlocked vehicles. The prosecutor said that Verdino entered the resident’s vehicle and looked around inside. Verdino then got into his own vehicle and fled, according to the complaint. The resident was able to get the plate number, which was traced to Verdino’s Evergreen Park address where he was taken into police custody. (SUBSCRIBE: Get Real-Time Alerts and a Daily Newsletter for Oak Lawn.)

Verdino was brought back to the scene where he was positively identified. He was taken to the Oak Lawn police station where he admitted to entering multiple vehicles, police said.

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In addition to being on parole, Verdino has a pending felony for possession of a stolen credit card in Evergreen Park. He was charged with violation of bail bond.

The prosecutor said Verdino has eight prior felonies, including convictions for retail theft, burglary and forgery, for which he received prison sentences.

The assistant public defender told the judge that Verdino is currently unemployed. Verdino asked to be admitted into Cook County Jail’s drug treatment program.

Bail was set at $100,000. Verdino is due back in court Oct. 25 in Bridgeview. Oak Lawn police remind residents to lock their vehicle doors and remove or hide all valuables.