Berwyn Police Blotter
Thursday, August 28, 2008
BERWYN POLICE DEPT COMMENDED FOR HELP TO FEDS IN MOB PIPE BOMB INVESTIGATION
August 28, 2008
The following is the complete, unabridged text of a US Justice Dept. press release dated July 31, 2008:
Two Chicago area men are facing federal charges for allegedly using a pipe bomb to damage a Berwyn video and vending machine business in 2003, federal authorities announced today. The defendants, Mark Polchan and Samuel Volpendesto, were arrested yesterday on charges contained in a three-count indictment that was unsealed this morning, announced Patrick Fitzgerald, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Andrew L. Traver, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Robert D. Grant, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Alvin Patton, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division in Chicago.
Polchan, 41, of Justice, and Volpendesto, 84, of Oak Brook, were scheduled to appear 2 PM today before US Magistrate Judge Susan Cox in US District Court in Chicago. Each was charged with one count of conspiracy to use an explosive device to damage property, using an explosive device to damage property, and using a pipe bomb during a crime of violence. The indictment was returned by a federal grand jury on Feb. 7, 2008.On Feb. 25, 2003, a pipe bomb was detonated outside a building at 6508 West 16th St., in Berwyn, that housed several businesses, including C & C Coin Operated Amusements, which at the time leased coin-operated vending and video machines. The explosion outside the storefront entrance to C & S caused broken windows and damage to the interior ceiling and wood frame above the doorway to the business. No one was injured in the explosion, which occurred at night.
In July 2007, Kyle C. Knight, 44, of Merrillville, Ind., was arrested on federal charges for allegedly providing explosive materials that were used in the pipe bomb to another individual, knowing that the materials would be used to commit a violent crime. Knight has pleased not guilty and remains in federal custody while the case against him is pending.
ATF, FBI and IRS agents yesterday executed federal search warrants at six area locations: Polchan’s residence and a pawn shop he owns, Goldberg Jeweler’s, in Cicero; a residence in Westchester; and three locations identified as Outlaws Motorcycle Club clubhouses in Chicago, Elgin and Kankakee.
Federal officials said the investigation is continuing, and they commended the assistance of the Berwyn Police Department. The government is being represented by Assistant US Attorneys T. Markus Funk and Amarjeet S. Bhachu.
If convicted, conspiracy to use an explosive device to damage property and using an explosive device to damage property each carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years in prison and maximum of 20 years, and using a pipe bomb during a crime of violence carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of at least 30 years and a maximum of life in prison, meaning that both defendants are facing a combined mandatory minimum sentence of 35 years and a maximum of life in prison. In addition, each count carries a maximum fine of $250,000. The Court would determine the appropriate sentence to be imposed under the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines.
The public is reminded that an indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.