KANKAKEE – Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced Friday multiple people have been charged in a Statewide Video Gaming burglary ring.
Raoul’s office filed charges against Giulia and Gino Wuttke and Alyssa Slouka, alleging they were part of a ring that stole approximately $400,000 from video gaming machines throughout Illinois.
Raoul’s office alleges Wuttke committed burglary in at least 20 counties including Cook, DeKalb, Grundy, Iroquois, Kankakee and Will. Wuttke has been charged with 3 felonies and 41 counts of burglary, each publishable by 14 years in prison, including one count of theft and two counts of money laundering.
Wuttke’s bond has been set at $750,000, m his next hearing is scheduled for Sept. 8.
“Members of this burglary ring allegedly targeted bars, restaurants, social clubs and other small businesses that have video poker and video gaming machines. They broke into dozens of these establishments in multiple counties and stole hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash out of the machines,” Raoul said. “These arrests are the result of countless hours of cooperation between my office and several law enforcement agencies. I would like to thank the many agencies that collaborated with my office on this investigation and helped us break up this burglary operation.”
Gino Wuttke’s mother, Giulia Wuttke, 52, of Chatsworth, Illinois, was charged for her alleged role in the burglary ring on four felony charges including conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Alyssa Slouka, 31, of Glen Ellyn, Illinois, was also arrested for her alleged involvement in the burglary ring including conspiracy to commit burglary. Slouka’s bond has been set at $100,000, and her next hearing is scheduled for Sept. 8th.
In addition to the three individuals arrested, Brian Morgan, 42, of Plainfield, Illinois, has been charged for his alleged participation in the burglary operation. He has been charged with multiple felonies including 24 counts of burglary.
Officials have warrants out for two additional participants in the operation, Syed Zaidi, 41, of Romeoville, Illinois, and Lucas Bailey, 40, of Wilmington, Illinois.
“Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation special agents are detailed to the Illinois Gaming Board to ensure the integrity of gaming within the state of Illinois,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “ISP officers inspect and monitor video gaming and work to interdict illegal gambling devices and those who commit crimes. ISP will continue to work with the Attorney General’s Office to hold those who break the law accountable.”
Agencies assisting in the ring included the Illinois Gaming Board and a number of law enforcement agencies, including the Illinois State Police, the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s office, the Lake County State’s Attorney’s office, the Joliet Police Department and the Bureau, DeKalb, Grundy, Iroquois, Kendall and LaSalle county sheriffs.
