Bond Set at $500,000 for Chicago Man Charged with Breaking into Hinsdale Home
Franshawn Whittenburg, 50 (d.o.b. 1/10/1973) of 8400 block of South Peoria Street is charged with one count of Residential Burglary (Class 1 Felony). Because of Whittenburg’s criminal history however, if found guilty, he is subject to Mandatory Class X sentencing which carries a sentence of between six to thirty years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.
“EVERYONE HAS A RIGHT TO FEEL SAFE IN THEIR HOME,” BOB BERLIN STATED. “CRIMES SUCH AS THIS VIOLATE NOT ONLY THE VICTIMS' SENSE OF SECURITY AND PERSONAL SPACE BUT ALSO HAVE A CRIPPLING EFFECT ON THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY.
HINSDALE - DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Hinsdale Chief of Police Brian King announced that bond has been set for a Chicago man accused of breaking into a Hinsdale home. Franshawn Whittenburg, 50 (d.o.b. 1/10/1973) of 8400 block of South Peoria Street, appeared at a bond hearing yesterday morning where Judge Mia McPherson denied the State’s motion to deny bail and set bond at $500,000 with 10% to apply. Whittenburg is charged with one count of Residential Burglary (Class 1 Felony). Because of Whittenburg’s criminal history however, if found guilty, he is subject to Mandatory Class X sentencing which carries a sentence of between six to thirty years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.
On March 9, 2023, at approximately 10:15 a.m., the Hinsdale Police Department responded to a call from a resident concerning suspicious activity at a home on Woodside Avenue. Upon their arrival, officers noticed a rear door next to the driveway open with damage to the handle. When officers entered the residence, which was unoccupied, officers observed multiple drawers opened and their contents scattered about. An investigation into the matter led to Whittenburg as a suspect. It is alleged that just prior to the phone call placed by the resident, Whittenburg broke into the home and stole multiple items including a Sentry fire safe containing important family documents, a check book and multiple items of jewelry including cuff links, bracelets, ring and necklaces, among other items. Whittenburg was taken into custody at approximately 5:25 p.m. the same day from a location in Chicago.
“The allegations against the defendant are extremely disturbing,” Berlin said. “Everyone has a right to feel safe in their home. Crimes such as this violate not only the victims' sense of security and personal space but also have a crippling effect on the entire community. I commend the Hinsdale police department for their truly outstanding work on this case. The quick apprehension of the defendant goes a long way in reassuring the community that in DuPage County we will not tolerate this type of criminal behavior. I thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Jaclyn McAndrew and Kelsey Kerr for their work in securing strong charges against the defendant.”
“The arrest mere hours after the home burglary occurred speaks to our commitment to tenaciously pursue those that commit crimes in the community,” King said. “We would like to thank the Oak Brook, Bensenville and Willowbrook Police Departments for their assistance with the surveillance and arrest of Mr. Whittenburg and to our continuing partnership with DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his commitment to public safety in DuPage County.”
Whittenburg’s next court appearance is scheduled for March 27, 2023, for arraignment in front of Judge McPherson.
Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
###