An Ogle County jury convicts Mark A. Cooper, 48, of Rockford, for his role in a home invasion and armed robbery at a Rochelle townhome. Despite his defense claiming he entered the home to “rescue” a loved one working as an online escort, jurors found Cooper guilty of multiple felony charges, including being an armed habitual criminal, after deliberating for just over two hours.
The incident occurred when Cooper, armed with a handgun, allegedly assaulted a 64-year-old homeowner and demanded his wallet after a woman knocked on the door asking to use the phone. Video evidence and witness testimony revealed a violent confrontation, leading to the couple’s suspicions and a subsequent police investigation that identified Cooper as a suspect. Sentencing for Cooper is scheduled for December 9, 2025.
Read full story at www.shawlocal.com
