From the State’s Attorney:
DNA EVIDENCE LINKS McHENRY MAN TO BUSINESS BURGLARY; SENTENCED TO SEVEN YEARS IN PRISON
McHenry County State’s Attorney Randi L. Freese announces that on November 4, 2026, Peter A. Sova, 39, of McHenry, Illinois, was sentenced to seven years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for Burglary, a Class 2 felony, by the Honorable Judge Tiffany E. Davis.
Sova was linked to the crime through DNA evidence recovered at the scene, following his arrest for an unrelated bank robbery months later.
On February 20, 2024, Sova broke into a McHenry business after closing hours by using a hammer to smash through a door.
Once inside, Sova removed cash registers from the counter before fleeing with the stolen property.
Surveillance footage captured a masked, gloved individual committing the burglary and dropping tools as he fled the scene.
Investigators recovered the discarded tools and submitted evidence to the Northeastern Illinois Regional Crime Laboratory for forensic testing.
The investigation took a significant turn following a separate crime.
On May 6, 2024, Sova robbed a McHenry bank, resulting in his arrest and subsequent federal prosecution.
Sova was ultimately sentenced to 46 months in federal prison for that offense.
A DNA sample obtained during the bank robbery investigation provided the critical link investigators needed to solve the earlier burglary.
Forensic analysis confirmed that Sova’s DNA matched evidence recovered from the tools abandoned at the February burglary scene.
“Criminals may hide their faces, but they cannot always hide the evidence they leave behind,” said State’s Attorney Freese.
“Sova thought he could escape accountability by concealing his identity, but the forensic evidence told a different story.
“This case demonstrates that even when an investigation takes time, our law enforcement partners remain committed to identifying offenders and holding them responsible.
“I commend the McHenry Police Department for its diligent investigative work and the forensic professionals whose efforts helped bring this case to a successful conclusion.”
The McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office extends its appreciation to the McHenry Police Department for its thorough investigation and continued commitment to protecting the community.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorney Shelby Page.
