Du Quoin man gets 15 years in prison for Walgreens hold-up

Michael C. Carr, Jackson County State's Attorney, announced today that a Du Quoin man was sentenced to 15 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for two separate robberies which occurred Oct. 20, 2014.

Christopher Westberry, 33, of Du Quoin, Illinois, entered pleas to both counts of robbery in Jackson County Circuit Court Nov. 25, 2014.

On Oct. 20, 2014, in the early morning hours, the defendant entered the Walgreens store on South Wall Street in Carbondale and demanded money from the clerk. The clerk opened the cash register drawer and the defendant grabbed all of the twenties, taking approximately $360 in United States Currency. Later the same date, he entered the Casey's General Store on North Giant City Road and approached the counter and demanded money from the clerk. The clerk opened the cash register and gave Mr. Westberry approximately $113 in United States Currency. Westberry fled from both locations and was later apprehended after being identified in a photographic lineup. After his arrest, Westberry admitted to involvement in both of the robberies.

The 15-year sentences are to be served concurrently and carry with them a Mandatory Supervised Release period of two years once he is released from the Department of Corrections.

This case was investigated by the Carbondale Police Department. Assistant State's Attorney Mark Hamrock prosecuted this case.