Shoplifters held on felony charges after theft spress www.privateofficer.com
Police began investigating James R. Johnson, 36, and Carl D. Newsome, 38, in May while working on burglary cases on the city’s west side. Newsome reportedly was approached by police one day as he knocked on residential doors in the 1800 block of Indiana Street at 12:30 a.m. He also was seen walking through backyards at the time of another reported residential burglary, police said.
Police began surveillance on the black Jeep Newsome drove and Johnson occupied. The car was seen at Meijer stores in Elgin, St. Charles and Aurora, where groceries and liquor were stolen, police said.
Authorities notified security personnel at the Elgin Meijer on June 2 after observing the Jeep there, police said. The men were taken into police custody after they reportedly were seen stealing groceries.
Johnson and Newsome, both of the 1600 block of Indiana Street, were charged with burglary, a Class 2 felony, and retail theft, a Class 4 felony. They are being held on $75,000 and $50,000 bond,
respectively.
St. Charles police said more charges are possible, as Meijer security personnel are in the preliminary stages of their investigation. Other police departments also have begun investigations.
The charges stem from the Meijer incident, police spokesperson Paul McCurtain said. He said the police department is waiting for the state lab results on evidence from some of the residential burglaries.
