Champaign man gets 4 years in 2023 robbery at Illinois Terminal

URBANA — A Champaign man has been sentenced to four years in prison for robbing someone last year at the Illinois Terminal in downtown Champaign.

Champaign County Judge Matt Lee handed down the sentence April 30 to Lorenzo D. Taylor, 28, after he pleaded guilty to one count of robbery.

In exchange for the plea, the state dropped one charge of aggravated battery in a public place and one charge of aggravated battery causing bodily harm and agreed to recommend a sentence of not more than five years in prison.

A Champaign police report said on May 23, 2023, Taylor was at the Illinois Terminal when a man asked him to move so he could charge his phone and Taylor reportedly refused, sparking a confrontation.

Taylor later ran from the facility with the man’s wallet, but was caught not far away by officers, who found the victim’s wallet in his pocket.

The state also dismissed a separate case that charged Taylor with aggravated battery, battery and aggravated assault in connection with an incident that allegedly took place earlier that month in a gas station.

Taylor faced three to seven years in prison for robbery, a Class 2 felony.

He was given credit for 228 days already served in jail.