DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) — A man will spend 10 years behind bars for an armed robbery that happened in Danville last year.

The Vermilion County State’s Attorney’s Office said in a news release that Jose Quintana, 26 of Cicero, pleaded guilty last week to a Class X felony count of armed robbery. In exchange for his guilty plea, the state dropped another count of armed robbery.

The charges stemmed from an incident on Sept. 21, 2024. Danville Police responded to a restaurant on North Vermilion Street for a report of an armed robbery; witnesses said a man had walked in, pulled a gun on employees and demanded money. The manager handed over cash to the robber, who fled the scene.

Surveillance video and descriptions provided by witnesses helped police identify the robber as Quintana, the State’s Attorney’s Office said. He was arrested a few days later, but the gun used in the crime was not recovered.

“I would like to extend my appreciation to the brave witnesses whose detailed accounts were instrumental in helping law enforcement identify and apprehend this defendant,” State’s Attorney Jacqueline Lacy said in the news release. “Armed robbery is a serious and dangerous crime that threatens the safety of the residents of Vermilion County. My office remains committed to working alongside law enforcement to hold violent offenders accountable and ensure our neighborhoods remain safe.”

Accepting Quintana’s guilty plea, Judge Karen Wall sentenced him to 10 years in prison, with 10 months of credit for time already served. Once released, Quintana will serve another year and a half on parole.