BEVERLY — One of four men tied to a scandal involving squatters renting out homes they did not own in Beverly and Morgan Park pleaded guilty Tuesday.
Arshad Thomas, 27, pleaded guilty to burglary in connection with a property in the 1600 block of West 106th Street in East Beverly. He was sentenced to 3 years and 9 months in state prison, according to the Cook County State's Attorney's Office.
Thomas broke into three different properties, changed the locks and moved into the homes illegally, a press release from the state's attorney's office said.
Others involved in the plot include Torrez Moore, 55, and David Farr, 45, authorities said. They were arrested in July and charged with burglary, theft and financial-institution fraud.
Thomas' father, Raymond Trimble, 52, was then arrested on Dec. 10 and charged with illegally renting out vacant, foreclosed houses. All three remain in custody, according to Ald. Matt O'Shea (19th), who expects the others to face more serious charges.
Meanwhile, Thomas was arrested on an unrelated charge on Dec. 12, according to records provided by the Cook County Sheriff. He was later arraigned for his involvement in the squatting scheme, authorities said.
"Moving forward, I will remain in regular communication with the Cook County State's Attorney's Office on the other three defendants and keep you updated on any developments," said O'Shea in an email to constituents Tuesday.
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