Sangamon County authorities have arrested a Decatur man in connection with burglaries at three gaming establishments in late September.
In the early morning hours of September 29, deputies responded to burglar alarms at Gusto’s Pizza in Dawson, Hilltop Convenience Store in Rochester, and Miss Kimmee’s in Springfield. Surveillance footage from all three locations showed a lone suspect forcing or attempting to force entry.
Detectives quickly determined the same individual was responsible for all three incidents. Using evidence from surveillance cameras and other sources, investigators identified the suspect as Brent E. Crockett, 37, of Decatur.
On November 18, an arrest warrant was issued for Crockett on charges including two counts of burglary, one count of attempted burglary, and four counts of criminal damage to property. Crockett was taken into custody the next day at the Piatt County Courthouse in Monticello. He is expected to be transported to Sangamon County for an initial court appearance.
Authorities revealed that Crockett has an extensive criminal history. He was sentenced to seven years in prison in 2022 for burglary in Macon County but was released on parole in March 2024. At the time of the Sangamon County incidents, Crockett was still on parole. His criminal record also includes prior prison sentences for narcotics and firearms-related offenses.