(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A North Chicago man remains at large after he was sentenced Wednesday to 21 years in prison, Lake County authorities said.
They’re asking the public to be on the lookout for Giovanni Smith, 33, and call 9-1-1 if they see him.
Jurors this summer convicted Smith of one count of being an armed habitual criminal and one count of unlawful use of a weapon, the Lake County Illinois State’s Attorney’s Office said. The conviction stems from an incident in July 2021, when North Chicago police arrested Smith for allegedly running after another person while armed with a handgun.
Smith’s bail was reduced from $100,000 to $50,000, and he was released after posting $5,000 cash, authorities said. He was present at his trial, but did not return for the verdict and was not present at sentencing, State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart said.
Under the sentence handed down by Judge Patricia Fix, Smith must serve 85% of his 21-year sentence — when he is taken into custody.
“This sentence is necessary to deter others from repeatedly violating the law as Mr. Smith has,” Rinehart said in a news release.
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