Chicago, IL – Cook County Sheriff’s Police recovered approximately $2.4 million in alleged stolen merchandise following an investigation into a large-scale organized retail theft operation.
According to Sheriff Dart, on July 2, police executed a search warrant at a store in the 2200 block of West Taylor Avenue. The investigation by the Sheriff’s Police Organized Retail Crime Team revealed that store employees allegedly knowingly purchased stolen items to resell. The search led to the recovery of thousands of suspected stolen items, five firearms, multiple magazines, and nearly 200 rounds of ammunition.
The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office approved felony charges on July 3 against store owner Darris Kelly, 44, of Maywood, and employee Jerry Walker, 50, of Broadview. Kelly was charged with Class 2 felony theft, while Walker faced charges of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and Class 2 felony theft. Both appeared in court on July 4 and were released from custody. Their next court date is July 26.
