CHICAGO — A 32-year-old Chicago man has been federally indicted for a pair of violent carjackings and armed credit union robberies that occurred near the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) in May 2024. The case is now moving forward in federal court, with prosecutors pushing for decades behind bars.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois, Maurice Lee Jr. is accused of carjacking two Toyota vehicles and robbing two separate credit union branches, both located on the UIC campus. He allegedly brandished a firearm during each of the attacks.
Back-to-Back Robberies Just One Week Apart
Authorities say the first incident occurred on May 10, 2024, when Lee reportedly carjacked a Toyota from a driver and then used that stolen vehicle to rob a credit union at UIC. Just one week later, on May 17, Lee is accused of repeating the same sequence — carjacking another Toyota and committing a second armed robbery at a different UIC credit union location.
Surveillance images released by federal investigators show the suspect pointing a handgun at employees inside the bank, wearing dark clothing and gloves, and carrying a blue duffel bag. Both robberies were carried out with similar methods, suggesting a calculated pattern.
Federal Charges Carry Mandatory Prison Time
Lee has been formally indicted on six federal charges, including:
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Two counts of robbery
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Four counts of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence
Each firearm count carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 7 years, to be served consecutively — resulting in a combined minimum of 28 years. In addition, each robbery count carries a maximum sentence of 20 years, and any potential carjacking charges could bring up to 15 years each.
As reported by WGN News, Lee was arrested just two days after the second robbery in May 2024. He remained in state custody until federal charges were filed in June 2025. He is now being held without bond and awaits arraignment in federal court.
Court Appearance Set for July 7
Lee’s arraignment is scheduled for Monday, July 7 at 9:45 a.m., where he will enter a plea before a federal judge. Prosecutors have not disclosed whether additional charges or co-defendants may be involved.
Photos released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office show both Lee’s mugshot and still images from inside the credit unions during the robbery, clearly depicting the use of a handgun.
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