TAYLORVILLE, Ill. (WAND) — A woman who was deemed by police as the “U-Haul bandit” has been sentenced to six years in prison after changing her plea to guilty.
Lindy Miller was facing burglary and theft charges.
Taylorville Police gave the nickname to an alleged serial thief who has been on their radar for weeks.
Taylorville Police and Decatur Police said Lindy J. Miller was arrested November 19.
They said she led officers on a high-speed chase through Taylorville on November 16. They said it started when officers tried to pull Miller over while she was driving a U-Haul.
“She’s been under investigation for a couple weeks now. She’s been involved with several burglaries of businesses here in Taylorville,” Sgt. Christian Nelson told WAND News.
Officers said Miller gave them a fake ID, then sped off, flying past the junior high school and through neighborhoods, before getting stuck on a dirt path.
“We believe she is involved with at least one individual, the individual that may have rented the U-Haul truck. Investigation details are limited at this time, but we believe she’s working with at least one individual,” Sgt. Nelson said.
Police said she was able to get away initially. Officers found the U-Haul with no sign of Miller the next day. She was apprehended a day later.
“The vehicle was abandoned in Illiopolis at their public works department. At this moment in time, we have several locations that we’re checking, to look for her,” Sgt. Nelson explained.
Taylorville Police said it’s becoming more common for suspects to use rental cars, because it can be more difficult for investigators to track them down.
“A lot of places are using dealer vehicles, rental vehicles from airports, and they are using these to go around on crime sprees. This is the first time we’ve had a U-Haul, but it’s not uncommon for people to use rental or loaner vehicles,” Sgt. Nelson added.
Decatur Police said Miller had nine arrest warrants in the city.
She initially entered a plea of not guilty.
On December 21, she changed her plea, pleading guilty to one count of burglary. Other charges were dropped as part of a plea deal.
She was sentenced to six years in prison. She will have to serve at least 50 percent of that sentence.
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