Eric Castronovo, 47, was sentenced to 42 years in prison for a 2024 theft involving a Rockford business.
According to the Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office, officers from the Rockford Police Department began looking into Castronovo after receiving information that he purchased Rockford Discount Rentals with checks that were later returned for insufficient cash.
Officials claimed Castronovo agreed to pay $435,000 for the company in October 2024, with the remaining balance due in January 2025.
According to investigators, Castronovo initially gave the prior owner with a $245,000 check, which did not clear since it was reportedly obtained from a bogus account. A short time later, he issued a second check for $225,000, which also failed to clear.
According to detectives, Castronovo got control of the company’s bank account, which gave him access to the former owner’s personal information, such as his Social Security number, tax filings, and personnel records. During the inquiry, officers discovered he took out roughly $140,000 in loans under the former owner’s name.
Castronovo is well-known in the Rockford region for owning and operating Berg Industries, an event rental company that supplies tents, awnings, tables, and chairs, according to the Chamber of Commerce.
Leave a Reply