One of four men accused of robbing an Orland Park jewelry store more than a year ago pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 16 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, according to court records.

Darrin Carter, 35, pleaded guilty to one count of armed robbery. As part of the deal, 16 additional felony counts, including aggravated kidnapping, unlawful restraint and robbery, were dismissed.

In addition to the 16-year stint, Carter is set to spend three years on parole upon his release and pay $394 in court costs. He has been in custody on $500,000 bond since he was arrested days after the robbery and will receive credit for 441 days he spent in county jail.

Patch rounds up the Southland's major criminal and civil cases being heard in Cook County and Will County courts this week.

TINLEY PARK - Judge Won't Raise Bond for Former Deputy Fire Chief Accused of Attempted Murder, Rape

A Cook County judge denied a motion to raise or revoke bail for the former Chicago Ridge deputy fire chief accused of the attempted rape and murder of his Tinley Park neighbor.

Judge Peter Felice said he didn't see a reason to change the bond of Gary Swiercz, 49, who is out on $150,000 and electronic monitoring. He is scheduled to be indicted on Feb. 7.

CHICAGO HEIGHTS - New Judge for Case of Man Accused of Fatally Shooting Girlfriend

A new judge and prosecutor have been assigned to the murder case of a Chicago Heights man accused of fatally shooting his live-in girlfriend last March, in a move that his defense attorney described as a routine.

George Kleopa, 33, who is out on a $2 million bond, will now appear in Judge Anna Helen Demacopolous' Markham courtroom, a change from Judge James J. Rhodes. Assistant State's Attorney Karen Sullivan will now be prosecuting the case. The court periodically rotates judges, prosecutors and clerks to different courtrooms.

ORLAND PARK - Pair Accused in BB Gun Carjacking May Go to Trial

Attorneys for two people accused of carjacking an Orland Park restaurant employee with a BB gun last summer will have to indicate next month whether the pair will go to trial or want to resolve the case with a plea.

Jonathan Sarolas, 25, and April Schmidt, 24, have both been charged with felony aggravated vehicular hijacking. They are scheduled to be back in court on Feb. 7.

ORLAND PARK - Case of Former Cashier Accused of Theft Gets Continuance

Cheryl Becker, 54, appeared briefly in a Bridgeview courtroom this week on charges of theft after being accused of stealing more than $9,200 from Sandburg High School.

Her case has been continued until Feb. 19.

ON THE DOCKET NEXT WEEK

MONDAY

• Pair charged with armed robbery in Oak Lawn

TUESDAY

• Trial set to begin for man accused of assaulting Tinley Park restaurant manager

WEDNESDAY

• Former Orland firefighter charged with possession of child porn
• Man accused of fleeing, eluding cops as 'Orland Ghost Rider'

THURSDAY

• Orland man accused of sex assault of teen, possession of child porn
• Justice man charged with reckless homicide in fatal DUI