Former Rockford PD Officer Among 2 people Facing Robbery Charges

ROCKFORD, IL — A former City of Rockford Police Department Officer is one of two people facing charges for an armed robbery that took place this month at an area bus station, Winnebago County State’s Attorney Joe Bruscato announced Monday. According to a report from the Bruscato's office, Rockford Police responded on July 22 to the Van Galder Bus Station following an armed robbery report, where a woman told police two people wearing dark clothing came up, pointed a gun at her and demanded money.

According to Bruscato, detectives did a follow up investigation reviewed by the state's attorney's office, which resulted in charges against 37-year-old former Rockford Police Department Officer Yuliya Kuznets, and 50-year-old James B. Akerman (both pictured).

According to Rockford Register Star, the investigation authorities to a Myott Avenue home, where they seized 1,000 rounds of ammunition and nearly 4,400 opioid pills.

Kuznets and Akerman each face two counts of Armed Robbery.

According to Bruscato, both Kuznets and Akerman were taken to the Winnebago County Jail where they're each being held on $750,000 bond. Both are scheduled to be in court on Monday afternoon, July 30.

Photo credit: Winnebago County State Attorney's Office