Nearly 8 years for man convicted of robbing 4 banks, 1 credit union across Chicago area

CHICAGO (WGN) — A western suburban man convicted of his involvement in a string of robberies at financial institutions across the Chicago area has been sentenced to seven years and eight months in federal prison.

Charles Lawler, 54, of Villa Park, faced felony charges in connection with the bank robberies committed in 2021 and 2022. Prosecutors say Lawler and his accomplice and gateway driver, Tarandle Lee, 45, of Bolingbrook, robbed three banks and a credit union together.

Lawler also robbed a bank by himself, prosecutors added.

Dates and locations of the incidents include:

• Sept. 22, 2021: Lawler allegedly robbed BMO Harris Bank in Naperville
• Sept. 28, 2021: Lawler and Lee allegedly robbed Old Second Bank in Lisle
• Oct. 6, 2021: Lawler and Lee allegedly robbed Bank Financial in Westmont
• Jan. 3, 2022: Lawler and Lee allegedly robbed BMO Harris Bank in Woodridge
• April 14, 2022: Lawler and Lee allegedly robbed DuPage Credit Union in Downers Grove

Lawler pleaded guilty to three robberies and has remained in police custody since his arrest in 2023. A federal jury convicted Lee on all four robbery counts against him. Lee’s sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled.