Three local men have been arrested and charged with Armed Robbery following a series of robberies to local banks and businesses that have taken place over the past few months.
Since February, Champaign has seen a rash in armed robberies to include five bank robberies, three robberies to consumer loan businesses and several other businesses in which weapons were displayed or implied. An investigation by the Champaign Police Department and the combined efforts of its patrol, Crime Scene, Narcotics, and the Investigations Unit along with the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and FBI Safe Streets Task Force, led to the arrest of Ronald Wilkerson, William Jackson and Prentice Taylor.
Ronald Wilkerson, 43, was arrested at his home at 1503 Honeysuckle Lane. William Terry Jackson, 34 of 1307 W. Beech, Urbana, was arrested in the 800 block of W. Fairlawn, Urbana and Prentice Taylor, 57, was arrested at his home at 911 N. Gregory. All three suspects were arrested, without incident on May 21, 2012, for Armed Robbery.
Ronald Wilkerson was identified as a suspect in the robbery at Marine Bank and Central Illinois Credit Union (CICU). William Terry Jackson was identified as a suspect in the Mobile Super Pantry, CICU and Marine Bank robberies. Prentice Taylor was identified as a suspect in the robberies that occurred at Mobile Super Pantry and CICU.
Detectives are continuing their investigation into other robberies to determine if any are related or if additional suspects are involved.
Information about these crimes can be reported to the Champaign Police Department by calling (217) 351-4545 or callers can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 373-8477 (TIPS). Information can also be sent by anonymous web tip by going to: www.373tips.com or by texting the keyword: CCTIP plus the information to 274637 (CRIMES).