Chicago|News|
12 Years in Prison for Stealing Quarters? 'Absurd' But True
A homeless man who used a coat hanger to steal 176 quarters from a UIC vending machine just saw six years knocked off his prison term.

A Patcher Emeritus, Cleveland native and always hopeful yet frequently dismayed Cleveland Browns fan, Dennis likes dogs, and dogs like him. He likes pizza a bit too much, Ernest Hemingway books, and home renovation projects.
Before joining Patch in 2010, Dennis got some ink on his hands in Chicago during stints with Sun-Times Media and Copley Press. He led investigative and public service reporting teams that changed laws, helped people and put a few bad guys in jail.
Dennis was managing editor of the Daily Southtown in suburban Chicago (2004-2009), twice named National Newspaper of the Year for large-circulation dailies by the American Press Institute and Suburban Newspapers of America. The Southtown received a dozen awards for General Excellence, the Chicago Headline Club Watchdog Award, AP Top 10 Sports Section in America honors, Best Commentary Section in Illinois three consecutive years, and dozens of writing, reporting, public service and photojournalism awards.
Dennis was editor-in-chief of Patch for six years (2016-2021), leading the news team through a period of substantial growth and improved local journalism. Patch's local news coverage has been recognized and heralded by professional press associations in New York, Illinois, California, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Florida, Ohio, New Jersey, Maryland and Virginia.
Prior to that, he founded Patch's Chicago Southland region, building it into one of the company's top regions for audience, revenue and engagement.
Today, he's a WordGrinder for hire, focused on entrepreneurial local news projects and media relations.
A homeless man who used a coat hanger to steal 176 quarters from a UIC vending machine just saw six years knocked off his prison term.

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