DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Wheaton Chief of Police William Murphy announced today that bond has been set for a Wheaton man accused of forcing a man at gunpoint to drive to an ATM and withdraw money. Levern Danley, 19 (d.o.b. 2/27/2003) of the 600 block of E. Indiana St., appeared in Bond Court this morning where Judge David Schwartz set bond at $500,000 with 10% to apply. Danley has been charged with one count of Armed Robbery with a Firearm, a Class X Felony.
On June 4, 2022, the victim and a friend were outside the Gundersen apartments in Carol Stream near picnic benches preaching the Gospel when they met Danley. At some point in time, the victim agreed to give Danley a ride to a nearby store in Wheaton. While in the parking lot of the store, it is alleged that Danley pulled out a gun, placed it on his lap and pointed it at the victim with his finger on the trigger. It is alleged that Danley ordered the victim to drive to an ATM in Wheaton and forced the victim to withdraw $400. It is alleged that after the victim gave Danley the money, Danley ordered him to return to the ATM to get more money. It is alleged that the victim returned to the ATM, withdrew another $100 and then gave it to Danley. It is alleged that Danley ordered the victim to then return to the store to get more money but upon their arrival, the store was closed. It is alleged that at this point, Danley fled on foot.
An investigation into the matter conducted by the Wheaton Police Department led to Danley, who was taken into custody on June 10, 2022, without incident.
Levern Danley
19 years old
of Wheaton
“Crimes such as alleged in this case traumatize not only the victim, but leave the entire community on edge, worried for their personal safety,” Berlin said. “In DuPage County, we will not tolerate the type of brazen behavior alleged against Mr. Danley. I commend the Wheaton Police Department for their efforts in identifying and apprehending Mr. Danley as a suspect in this case. It is because of their work Mr. Danley is facing 30 years behind bars if found guilty of the charges against him. I thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Denis Cahill and Steven Lupa for their efforts in preparing a strong case against this defendant.”
“Our officers and detectives performed admirably in bringing this man to justice,” Murphy said. “Those who feel emboldened to victimize others should take note that if they choose to do this in Wheaton or DuPage County, they will be charged and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Danley’s next court appearance is scheduled for June 27, 2022, for arraignment in front of Judge Brian Telander.
Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant's guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.