Waukegan man sentenced to prison for removing location-monitoring anklet

A 37-year-old Waukegan man was sentenced to prison Tuesday for cutting off an electronic monitoring anklet while out on bond in connection with a felony retail theft charge.

A McHenry County jury found Rahshan Duffie guilty of escape and criminal damage to government-supported property following a trial that took place on March 15 and 16. On Tuesday, McHenry County Judge Robert Wilbrandt sentenced Duffie to 4 1/2 years in prison.

Police arrested Duffie on Match 9, 2020, after they said he stole about $400 worth of merchandise from the Johnsburg Walmart, 3801 Running Brook Farm Blvd., court records show. On March 13, 2020, Duffie’s bond was reduced and he was required to wear an electronic monitoring device.

He was released from the McHenry County Jail, wearing an electronic monitoring device, on March 18, 2020, but “cut” the device from his ankle in June, according to a news release from the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Duffie didn’t contact the McHenry County Court Services Department again until his arrest in September, according to the release.

Duffie is scheduled to make a court appearance on May 28 in connection with the 2020 retail theft case, which is ongoing.