HINSDALE, Ill. — A Chicago man arrested in connection with a May 25th burglary of a Hinsdale Store has been released.
Hinsdale Detectives announced the arrest of Terry Johnson, 30, from Chicago, September 20th in connection with the brazen early-morning burglary at Kelsey’s Resale Boutique on May 25, where approximately $68,000 in merchandise was looted in a swift operation. Johnson and possibly seven masked associates allegedly stormed the store using stolen vehicles.
According to Hinsdale Police, DNA evidence reportedly links Johnson to the crime scene, who has since been released pre-trial under the State’s new Safe-T-Act provisions, causing concern among law enforcement officials. Johnson was already on parole for an alleged armed robbery in Cook County, now faces charges of Armed Violence and Burglary.
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Hinsdale Police Chief Brian King expressed their unease Thursday with the Safe-T-Act law, emphasizing the importance of judicial discretion in such cases. “The fact that Mr. Johnson, who is currently on parole and now accused of a forcible felony, will be out on the streets pending his trial illustrates a deficiency in the new law,” Berlin said. “Johnson’s case as a glaring example of what I fear will be many defendants unduly released pre-trial, I urge the General Assembly to amend the law and allow judges to use their discretion in every case similar to New Jersey’s pre-trial release law.”
Johnson’s arraignment is set for October 16, 2023. Hinsdale police notified the Illinois Department of Correction asking for parole violation action. That request is now under review.
