A man with a history of violent crimes, previously sentenced to 20 years in prison for a 2016 home invasion involving a 94-year-old woman, is accused once again of violent offenses. After serving less than half of his sentence, he is now charged with attacking and robbing two women in their 60s on the Northwest Side.
Olajuwon Claiborne, 36, whose chest tattoo reads, “I can do all things through Christ,” faces charges of robbing victims over 60, aggravated battery causing great bodily harm, and unlawful possession of a credit card.
Prosecutors report that the first incident took place at approximately 1:15 p.m. on December 28, in the 8100 block of West Addison Street. Claiborne allegedly approached a 65-year-old woman from behind in her garage, masked, while she unloaded groceries. He reportedly demanded, “Give me all you got,” before seizing her phone, Ventra card, and $20, then fled in a nearby car.
Later that day, Claiborne is said to have attacked another woman in the vestibule of her building in the 3200 block of North Newland Avenue. The 61-year-old woman, carrying three bags, was struck in the face, causing serious injuries, according to court documents. Claiborne allegedly stole her bags, phone, credit cards, and approximately $160 in cash before escaping. She received treatment at Community First Hospital.
Authorities allege that Claiborne subsequently attempted to use the second victim’s credit cards for purchases. Surveillance images from these attempts were reportedly recognized by an Illinois State Police trooper and an Illinois Department of Corrections parole agent.
Judge Rivanda Doss Beal has ordered Claiborne to be held in custody as the legal proceedings continue.
Claiborne was released on parole on June 6, 2025, after serving time for a series of robberies, including the 2016 home invasion of a 94-year-old World War II veteran. Prosecutors state that Claiborne followed the woman to her home, attacked her, and stole her purse, fleeing in a stolen vehicle. He was apprehended by police two days later.
Connections were also made between Claiborne and two other robberies targeting older women. In one instance, a 65-year-old woman was approached in West Elsdon in August 2016. Claiborne allegedly asked for directions to Midway, then attempted to take her purse. When she resisted, he reportedly engaged in a struggle and began punching her, repeatedly telling her to release the purse. After knocking her down and hitting her in the chest, he fled with her purse, which contained $6 and credit cards.
The woman noted the getaway car’s license plate, which was traced back to Claiborne. However, the investigation stalled when she failed to identify him in a photo lineup, a CPD report indicated.
In the case involving the 94-year-old woman, Claiborne pleaded guilty to home invasion and two counts of robbery involving other victims. Judge Alfredo Maldonado sentenced him to 20 years for the home invasion, with concurrent seven-year terms for the robberies.
Under Illinois law, good behavior can reduce sentences by 50%, allowing Claiborne to be eligible for release after 10 years. However, he was paroled after about 8 1/2 years. The specific reasons for his early release are unclear, according to records from the Illinois Department of Corrections. Prior to the 2016 incidents, Claiborne had been convicted of two armed robberies in 2009 and theft from a person in 2014.
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