Repeat Retail Thief Fills Big Empty Purse at Victoria's Secret: Prosecutor

Elissa Keller, 52 | Cook County Sheriff

CHICAGO RIDGE, IL -- A 52-year-old woman filled her purse with various merchandise from Victoria’s Secret, then left the store where was confronted by employees, prosecutors said.

Elissa Keller appeared before Cook County Judge Peter Felice on a felony charge of retail theft.

According the charges, an employee at Victoria’s Secret in the Chicago Ridge watched Keller walk into the store carrying a large empty purse around 6 p.m. April 20.

The prosecutor said Keller was observed filling her purse with lotions and perfumes totalling $455. All of the merchandise was recovered.

The assistant public defender told the judge that Keller has “multiple mental health issues.”

Keller has six prior felonies for retail theft, the prosecutor said.

Judge Felice set bail at $50,000.

Keller asked the judge if he’d consider house arrest.

“Absolutely not,” Judge Felice said.

Keller’s next court hearing is May 10 in Bridgeview.