Father of Highland Park Shooter Pleads Guilty to Misdemeanor Reckless Conduct in Suburban Chicago Court

On Monday, Robert Crimo Jr., the father of the accused Highland Park shooter, pleaded guilty to seven counts of misdemeanor reckless conduct in a Waukegan court in suburban Chicago. The charges were downgraded from felony counts, and Crimo Jr. will serve a 60-day jail sentence and two years probation as part of the plea deal.

The charges stem from the Fourth of July parade shooting in Highland Park, Illinois last year, in which seven people were killed by Crimo Jr.’s son, Robert Crimo III. Prosecutors argued that Crimo Jr. should have known his son was a danger to the public when he applied for a Firearm Owners Identification card.

As part of the plea deal, Crimo Jr. must surrender his FOID card and any firearms or ammo, and agree not to sponsor any minors for FOID in the future. He also must pay a $1,000 fine and complete 100 hours of community service.

The plea deal comes as the trial for Crimo Jr. was set to begin on Monday. The plea agreement was accepted by Judge Mark Levitt, who said it was a “fair and just resolution” to the case.

The plea deal brings an end to the legal proceedings stemming from the tragic shooting in Highland Park last year. The victims’ families have expressed relief that the case has been resolved, and that Crimo Jr. will be held accountable for his role in the tragedy.