McHenry man sentenced to five years for Island Lake residential burglary

Alan E. Christensen Jr.

A 25-year-old McHenry man was sentenced Tuesday to five years in prison after pleading guilty to residential burglary, court records show.

Alan E. Christensen Jr. was arrested following the April 20 burglary of an Island Lake home, the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office said in a news release.

The Island Lake Police Department had responded to a report of a burglary in progress, according to the release. Responding officers did not find anyone in or around the home, but witnesses identified Christensen as the person who had entered the home and was seen leaving with large duffle bags.

He was accused of entering a home in the 300 block of Island Drive in Island Lake and taking two power saws, according to the complaint. The residents were not home at the time, according to the release.

In exchange for Christensen’s guilty plea, prosecutors agreed to dismiss a misdemeanor theft, court records show.

Residential burglary is a Class 1 felony, which typically carries a sentence of four to 15 years in prison.

Judge Michael Coppedge sentenced Christensen to five years. The sentence will be served at 50%, and Christensen will receive credit for the 288 days he has spent in custody since his May 24 arrest, according to the sentencing order.

Coppedge also recommended the Illinois Department of Corrections place Christensen in a substance abuse program, according to the order.

Island Lake Police Officer Christopher Reese investigated the case and Assistant State’s Attorney Ashur Y. Youash prosecuted it, according to the release.