WAUKEGAN (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - The father of the accused Highland Park Fourth of July parade shooter Robert Crimo III has pleaded guilty to reckless conduct charges stemming from assisting his son in obtaining a gun.
In a court hearing that lasted just 15 minutes, Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart announced the deal. Robert Crimo Jr. has decided to plead guilty to seven misdemeanor counts of reckless conduct. He sponsored his son’s FOID application in 2019 when Bobby Crimo III was only 19.
It was months after prosecutors said police had been called to the family’s home twice for well-being checks after Bobby had made threats about harming himself or relatives. Officers confiscated 16 knives, a dagger and sword on the second visit that Crimo’s father said belonged to him.
The father was facing upwards of three years in prison if convicted on the original felony counts. He will now serve 60 days in jail, starting November 15, and give up his own FOID card and guns in his possession. Crimo Jr. is also not allowed to sponsor any other minors in applying for gun permits.
While this development was a surprise to many expecting a trial to begin this afternoon, it may explain why so few victims and their relatives were in the courtroom this morning.
The state’s attorney was expected to speak later this morning.
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