Robert Crimo Jr. has now pleaded guilty to seven misdemeanors in Lake County court, Illinois, and has been promptly sentenced to serve 60 days in jail, commencing next week.
Robert Crimo Jr., the father of the man accused of committing a heinous act by opening fire on a July 4 parade in Illinois last year, has entered a guilty plea for his role in helping his son obtain a gun license despite clear warning signs
Originally facing seven reckless endangerment felony charges, the accusations are related to the actions of Robert Crimo III, who is alleged to have carried out a devastating attack during the 2022 Independence Day parade in Highland Park.
It has come to light that Robert Crimo Jr. aided his son in obtaining a gun license in 2019, despite a family member notifying the police that the 19-year-old had a collection of knives and had expressed intentions to harm others within the household.
In response to these concerns, a sword, a dagger, and 15 knives were temporarily seized from the home of the suspected mass shooter. State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart has stressed that Robert Crimo Jr. was fully aware of his son’s dangerous inclinations but still proceeded to assist him in obtaining the license.
Robert Crimo Jr. has expressed in a post-shooting interview that he believes he did not engage in any wrongdoing leading up to the tragic event
However, Robert Crimo Jr. has now chosen to plead guilty to reckless conduct misdemeanors, in part to spare Highland Park residents from reliving the traumatic events and to ensure a fair trial for his son, Robert Crimo III.
Robert Crimo III, who faces 21 first-degree murder counts, 48 attempted murder counts, and an additional 48 counts of aggravated battery, has yet to have his trial date determined. It has been reported that he confessed to being the gunman shortly after his arrest.