Fake food delivery led to armed Winnetka home invasion for crypto

Federal prosecutors allege the incident began the afternoon of March 8 in Winnetka, north of Chicago, when someone opened the front door for what appeared to be a food delivery. After the door opened, five men with loaded firearms forced their way inside, held a resident for about an hour and restrained a child who arrived during the intrusion. The intruders searched the house for valuables and electronic devices.

Federal filings state: “The captors allegedly demanded access to a safe, computer, and online accounts holding cryptocurrency.” The filings describe the intruders pressing the captive for passwords and other account access while they searched the residence.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois reported on June 10 that eight people have been charged. The defendants are named as Andrew Franklin, Dashun Brown, David Franklin, Anthony Ramsey, Isaiah Dukes, Khiell Dukes, Jalen Chambers and Tyrese Fenton-Watson. Prosecutors allege five men entered the home while others waited outside, communicated with those inside during the event and met the group after they fled.

Court documents describe roles that include staging the delivery, armed entry, restraining victims, coordinating from outside and post-robbery meetings. The filings charge the group with kidnapping conspiracy and robbery conspiracy. Federal prosecutors note kidnapping conspiracy carries a maximum sentence of life in federal prison and robbery conspiracy carries up to 20 years.

The investigation remains active and the defendants are accused, not convicted. The court filings do not indicate whether any cryptocurrency or other valuables were recovered.