Ronald Melendez, a 16-time convicted felon, is facing new charges for robbing cellular stores while on pretrial release for three separate felony cases. Judge Shauna Boliker expressed her disdain for Melendez’s actions, stating that he “shows his disrespect for everything” as she ordered him detained on the new charges.
According to prosecutors, Melendez is accused of brandishing a knife during the robbery of a Boost Mobile store at 5718 West Fullerton on two separate occasions last month – March 16 and March 28. During the first incident, he made off with nine phones, a tablet, and an Apple Watch, while only taking $90 during the second robbery. Additionally, he is facing charges for allegedly stealing 15 phones valued at $18,000 from another Boost store located at 5207 West Fullerton on February 14.
Chicago police reported that Melendez was found with a prybar in a bag and a knife in his pocket at the time of his arrest, where he was charged with armed robbery and theft. Court records reveal that Melendez was on pretrial release for two burglaries in Melrose Park and a narcotics case in Chicago at the time of the cellular store robberies.
Judge Boliker cited Melendez’s three pending cases and 16 felony convictions as factors in her decision to keep him in jail. The gravity of his criminal history and the ongoing charges against him led to the determination that he should not be released.
This exclusive report sheds light on the disturbing actions of a repeat offender and the consequences he now faces for his crimes. It is imperative to support the work of journalists who bring attention to important issues like this.
