Fake ComEd workers scammed 78-year-old man with burglary ruse, prosecutors say

A 28-year-old man named Peter Wanko has been accused of breaking into a home on the Far Southwest Side of Chicago and stealing a firearm, cufflinks, and $1,000 in cash. The incident took place on the 9900 block of South Fairfield Avenue and involved an accomplice who distracted the homeowner with a fake utility excuse.

According to prosecutors, the accomplice knocked on the 78-year-old victim’s door and posed as a ComEd employee, convincing the homeowner to step outside. While the victim was distracted, Wanko allegedly entered the home and took the valuables. The victim later saw Wanko and the accomplice driving away and immediately contacted the police.

Surveillance footage from the Chicago Police Department showed Wanko at a gas station near the victim’s home about an hour before the burglary. Additionally, a witness identified him as one of the individuals leaving the victim’s residence. Wanko was recently located by the police and taken into custody to face charges. Judge Luciano Panici, Jr. ordered him to be detained.

This is not the first time Wanko has been accused of targeting elderly residents. Court records show that he was sentenced to two years in August for theft by deception, which initially involved a case of aggravated home repair fraud against a 71-year-old man on the city’s Northwest Side. Wanko also has a residential burglary conviction from 2023.

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In conclusion, Peter Wanko’s alleged actions highlight the vulnerability of elderly residents to predatory individuals. It is crucial for communities to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.