Plea deal reached over robbery charge

WOODSTOCK - A 20-year-old Cary man accused of trying to steal marijuana and money during a drug deal accepted a negotiated plea today. Erick Blanco, of 750 Blazing Star Trail, pleaded guilty to felony criminal damage to property in exchange for prosecutors dropping a more serious charge of attempted aggravated robbery. Blanco admitted to breaking the rear driver’s side window of a vehicle and was ordered to pay the car’s owner $410.As part of the agreement, McHenry County Judge Sharon Prather sentenced him to two years of probation, 30 days in jail, a $500 fine and 50 hours of community service. He also was ordered to complete any drug and alcohol counseling recommended after an evaluation and to pass at least 10 urine tests while on probation.Police had said Blanco came from behind a bush with an Airsoft gun and approached two people involved in a drug deal in June 2009, at 2709 Crystal Lake Ave. in Cary. He tried to take about 8 ounces of marijuana and less than $300 cash, police said shortly after his arrest.The more serious charge he originally faced was a Class 2 felony, which typically is punishable with probation or up to seven years in prison.