Homeless Man Charged with String of Business Burglaries in Naperville

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Naperville Chief of Police Jason Arres announced today that a homeless man has been charged with six counts of Burglary (Class 2 Felony), all occurring at businesses in Naperville. Prudencio Ugaban, 54 (d.o.b. 7/17/1971) appeared in First Appearance Court this morning where, as per State law, he was released from custody with conditions following his pre-trial detention hearing.

On Sept. 13, 2025, as a result of an ongoing investigation into a string of burglaries in Naperville, the Naperville Police Department took Ugaban, who was located inside a vehicle with a smashed window in the 1500 block of W. Ogden, into custody. Through further investigation, it is alleged that Ugaban committed the following burglaries from July 24, 2025, through Sept. 7, 2025:

• On July 24, 2025, at approximately 11:35 p.m., at the Spice Mart, 1552 N Aurora Rd.
• On July 28, 2025, at approximately 12:30 a.m., at the Marathon gas station, 991 W. Ogden Ave.
• On Aug. 15, 2025, at approximately 2:11 a.m., at the Spice Mart, 1552 N. Aurora Rd.
• On Aug. 27, 2025, at approximately 4:35 a.m., at the Ogden Wine and Spirit, 1568 W. Ogden Ave.
• On Sept. 5, 2025, at approximately 4:59 a.m., at the Bombay Chopsticks, 1568 W. Ogden Ave.
• On Sept. 7, 2025, at approximately 2:10 a.m., at the Marathon gas station, 991 W. Ogden Ave.

“It is alleged that within a seven-week span, Mr. Ugaban broke into and burglarized four Naperville businesses on six separate occasions,” Berlin said. “This type of complete disregard for the rule of law will not be tolerated in DuPage County. Through the persistent efforts of the Naperville Police Department however, Mr. Ugaban’s alleged crime spree has been brought to an end. The identification and apprehension of the defendant in this case is a shining example of DuPage County law enforcement’s diligent efforts to protect our residents and businesses. What I find troubling however, is the fact that under the Safe-T-Act, this defendant was not eligible for detention even though he had allegedly committed six burglaries in a relatively short amount of time. This fact illustrates the need for changes to the State’s Safe-T-Act to give judges more discretion at a defendant’s First Appearance Court pre-trial detention hearing. As I have consistently stated since the inception of the Act, judges, not the legislature, are in the best position to decide whether a defendant in any particular case should be detained pre-trial. I commend the Naperville Police Department for their diligence and outstanding police work on this case. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Anna Derkacz and Jennifer Nielsen for their efforts in preparing a strong case against Mr. Ugaban.”

“The tenacity of Naperville’s officers and detectives is second to none, and this case is a perfect example of how their professionalism and persistence pays off,” Arres said. “I am grateful to all our officers for their continued hard work to hold individuals accountable for crimes committed in Naperville, and I’d also like to thank State’s Attorney Bob Berlin’s Office for their collaboration and support of our efforts.”

Ugaban’s next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 14, 2025, in front of Judge Joseph Bugos. As conditions of his pre-trial release, Ugaban is to have no contact with and refrain from going to Ogden Wine and Spirit, any Marathon gas station, any Bombay Chopsticks and any Spice Mart.

Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Prudencio Ugaban

About Naperville: Located 28 miles west of Chicago, Naperville, Ill., is home to approximately 150,000 people. This vibrant, thriving city consistently ranks as a top community in the nation in which to live, raise children and retire. The city is home to acclaimed public and parochial schools, the best public library system in the country, an array of healthcare options and an exceptionally low crime rate. Naperville has ready access to a variety of public transportation, housing and employment options. The city’s diversified employer base features high technology firms, retailers and factories, as well as small and home-based businesses. Residents also enjoy world-class parks, diverse worship options, the opportunity to serve on several City boards and commissions, a thriving downtown shopping and dining area, a renowned outdoor history museum known as Naper Settlement and an active civic community. For more information, please visit our website at www.naperville.il.us.