Ford, Livingston, Sangamon, Vermilion cases investigated

Authorities seem to believe a parolee with an extensive criminal record is the suspect in a series of armed robberies in east-central Illinois counties. No injuries have been reported, but law enforcement personnel are cooperating in sharing information from weekend incidents in Odell, Paxton and a bank robbery earlier this month in Odell. A Subway restaurant in Danville was also robbed Monday night.

The suspect is 54-year-old John Beck. He’s from Mechanicsburg in Sangamon County. Video surveillance from the robbery of the Bank of Pontiac in Odell April 9 appears to identify Beck, according to Livingston County Sheriff’s Police. A gas station robbery in Odell Saturday afternoon and a Paxton convenience store was hit Sunday night.

Police said Beck is also a suspect in an armed robbery and theft of a motor vehicle in Sangamon County. Police believe Beck may be driving a stolen vehicle. Beck reportedly fled the scene of the Livingston County bank robbery in a stolen 2012 Ford Focus hatchback with license plate CR90449.

According to the Illinois Department of Corrections’ website, Beck was released on parole from Sheridan Correctional Center last August after serving a portion of a 25-year prison sentence he received in 2008 for an armed robbery in Champaign County. Beck had previous felony convictions for theft and aggravated battery in Piatt County, aggravated robbery in Champaign County, aggravated robbery in Macon County, forgery in Sangamon County, forgery in Livingston County, and theft and violation of bail bond in Adams County.

Anyone with information on Beck’s whereabouts is asked to contact Ford County Crimestoppers (217-784-4173) or Paxton police (217-379-4315).

94.1 WGFA