Trio used baby stroller to conceal stolen goods
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin announced Monday, December 18, 2023 that law enforcement in DuPage County continues to be on high alert this holiday shopping season 2023, and has arrested five individuals accused of stealing merchandise from retail establishments in three unrelated incidents that occurred during the recent days in DuPage County.
All defendants are charged with one count of Burglary (Class 2 Felony) and one count of Retail Theft (Class 3 Felony). One of the defendants is facing an additional charge of Possession of Burglary Tools, a Class 4 Felony.
RECENT ARRESTS …
Juan Andres Gomez Hernandez, 24, currently staying in Chicago – Accused of stealing approximately $304 worth of Clothing from JC Penny, 175 Yorktown, Lombard on December 14, 2023. Gomez-Hernandez’s next court appearance is scheduled for January 8, 2024, for arraignment. The State’s motion to detain Mr. Gomez-Hernandez pre-trial was granted by the Court.
Sergio Rojas Jaimes, 37, of West Chicago, Juan Sebastian Rojas Jaimes, 25, of Niles and Shirley Vanessa Oviedo-Ortiz, 30, of Niles – all accused of stealing twenty-nine items of clothing valued at approximately $1,458 from Macy’s, 1 Oak Brook Center, Oak Brook on December 14, 2023. It is alleged that these defendants placed the stolen merchandise in an occupied infant’s stroller and attempted to leave the store without paying. The next court appearance for all three defendants is scheduled for January 8, 2024, for arraignment. The State’s motion to detain these three defendants pre-trial was denied by the Court.
Jordan Antonio Mezamunoz, 25, no known address – Accused of stealing approximately $1,039 worth of men’s clothing from the Oak Brook Macy’s on December 17, 2023. It is alleged that this defendant was in possession of a magnet to remove security devices and wire cutters when he was taken into custody. Mezamunoz’s next court appearance is scheduled for January 8, 2024, for arraignment. The State’s motion to detain Mr. Mezamunoz pre-trial was granted by the Court.
“The arrest of these defendants sends the message loud and clear that DuPage County law enforcement is out in full force this holiday season and anyone who steals from one of our establishments will quickly find themselves arrested, charged and prosecuted. I commend law enforcement throughout the County as well as loss prevention officers at our retail shops for their outstanding, collaborative efforts during the busy holiday shopping season. They have an extremely difficult job and they have truly done yeoman’s work the past few weeks to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday shopping season for our merchants and patrons alike.”
— DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin
Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of a defendants’ guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
— DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office
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