Naperville, IL – A 54-year-old homeless man has been charged in connection with a string of business burglaries across Naperville, prosecutors announced Monday.
According to DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Naperville Police Chief Jason Arres, Prudencio Ugaban is facing six counts of burglary, all classified as Class 2 felonies. The alleged incidents occurred between July 24 and September 7, 2025, and involved four businesses in the city.
Authorities said Ugaban was taken into custody on September 13 after officers found him inside a vehicle with a smashed window near the 1500 block of West Ogden Avenue. Following an investigation, police linked him to six burglaries at Spice Mart, Marathon gas stations, Ogden Wine and Spirit, and Bombay Chopsticks.
Berlin said the case highlights concerns with Illinois’ Safe-T Act, which made Ugaban ineligible for detention despite the repeated charges. “Within a seven-week span, Mr. Ugaban allegedly burglarized four Naperville businesses on six separate occasions,” Berlin said. “Judges, not the legislature, are in the best position to decide whether a defendant should be detained pre-trial.”
Chief Arres praised officers for their persistence, calling the investigation a “perfect example” of local law enforcement’s commitment to accountability.
Ugaban appeared in First Appearance Court Monday, where he was released with conditions. He is prohibited from contacting or entering any of the businesses allegedly targeted. His next court date is scheduled for October 14, 2025, before Judge Joseph Bugos.
Officials reminded the public that charges are not proof of guilt and that Ugaban is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
