Heather Staker denies attempted robbery charges

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Heather Staker

Updated: March 23, 2012 8:01AM

The troubled twin sister of the murdered Holly Staker denied attempted aggravated robbery charges at her arraignment Tuesday.

Heather Staker, 31, of Waukegan faces up to seven years in prison if she is convicted of attempted aggravated robbery, Lake County Circuit Court Associate Judge Theodore Potkonjak said.

She attempted to obtain cash Jan. 24 from Tobacco Plus, located at 2025 Green Bay Rd., Waukegan, by allegedly threatening possession of a weapon, according to Waukegan Police. She is accused of using a firearm, according to court records. She was overpowered by a clerk and held for police, sources said.

Staker’s attorney, Michael Nerheim, asked for a court date next week to see if Staker is eligible for drug court, a specialized program that targets offenders with an extensive criminal history and addiction, according to Stephen Fabbri, Lake County adult probation assistant director assigned to specialty courts.

“For most of our target population, most of them would be in prison if it wasn’t for drug court,” Fabbri said, noting the typical person in drug court uses heroin or cocaine.

The program includes residential treatment, a halfway house program and then independent living during a 24- to 30-month period, Fabbri said. To be eligible for drug court, the offender must have committed a crime that is probationable.

There are 37 people in drug court now, he said.

Attempted aggravated robbery is also probationable, Potkonjak said.

Staker had previously told The News-Sun that she and her boyfriend were having financial troubles and that she still owes medical bills due to a stroke and brain surgery four years ago.

Staker is supporting two children and one other unnamed dependant, according to a certificate of assets on file with the Lake County Circuit Clerk’s Office.

Staker also has a criminal history. She was found guilty in a 2008 retail theft case. She was charged with, but not convicted, of possession of a controlled substance in 2003 and possession of a stolen firearm in 2006. Probation was revoked in 2006 possession of a controlled substance charge, according to a documents on file at Lake County Circuit Clerk’s Office.

Staker is in custody at Lake County Jail in lieu of $50,000 bond .

Her sister Holly was raped and murdered in 1992. Juan Rivera was imprisoned for more than 19 years for Holly’s death. The appellate court overturned his convicted and Rivera was freed from custody.

Heather Staker had said she still believed Juan Rivera was guilty of the crime.