Derek Wassilak, 53, has been sentenced to prison for stealing a box truck from a Rockford business, as well as a woman’s car and wallet, after spending the night at the Hard Rock Casino.
Winnebago County State’s Attorney J. Hanley announced Wassilak’s conviction on Wednesday for burglary, possession of a stolen car, and possession of a controlled substance.
According to Rockford Police, on August 4, 2025, officers were dispatched to the 1800 block of 15th Avenue to investigate the theft of a box truck from a business. The vehicle was later discovered parked outside a home in the 1600 block of Broadway. Police said Wassilak was discovered hiding inside the house. A bag holding his ID and drugs was discovered in the truck.
A few months later, on October 25, Winnebago County Sheriff’s deputies were called by a lady who claimed she had gone to the Hard Rock Casino with Wassilak and awoke the next morning to discover her car and pocketbook stolen. Police were able to identify Wassilak using security footage from inside the casino.
He was sentenced to 18 years in jail and an extra 18 months on parole.
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