DuPage County, IL – A Chicago man accused of breaking into Downers Grove North High School will remain in custody after a DuPage County judge granted prosecutors’ request to deny pretrial release.
According to the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office, Judge Kenneth Skar on Wednesday granted the State’s motion to detain Deon McLaughlin, 56, following his first court appearance. McLaughlin is charged with burglary in a school, attempted robbery, aggravated battery to a school employee, and unlawful restraint, all felonies under Illinois law.
Prosecutors allege the incident occurred early Wednesday morning, December 10, 2025, when Downers Grove police responded around 1:42 a.m. to a burglary call at Downers Grove North High School. An overnight employee reported hearing loud noises coming from the alumni room while cleaning near the front entrance.
Authorities allege the employee encountered McLaughlin inside the building, where he demanded money, placed his hands on the employee’s neck, and forced the victim through school hallways while continuing to demand cash. While walking through the building, the victim was able to call 911. Investigators say a coworker later confronted McLaughlin, prompting him to leave the school.
According to prosecutors, surveillance footage allegedly shows McLaughlin entering the school through a window that had been forced open around 11:57 p.m. the previous night. Chicago police later located and arrested him in the 3800 block of West Jackson Boulevard.
Because of McLaughlin’s criminal history, prosecutors said the burglary charge is subject to mandatory prison sentencing if convicted. Authorities also noted McLaughlin was charged less than a month ago in a separate case involving aggravated battery of a victim over 60 years old and criminal trespass to a residence, for which he was previously granted pretrial release.
McLaughlin is scheduled to appear next in court on January 5, 2026, before Judge Joseph Bugos. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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