Chicago Man Steals 103 Cartons Of Cigarettes: County

ELMHURST, IL — A Chicago man has been arraigned on charges that he stole more than 100 cartons of cigarettes from an Elmhurst gas station, according to the DuPage County State's Attorney's Office, . Elijah Jones, 63, entered a plea of not guilty at his arraignment Thursday. Jones had his bond set at $100,000 with 10 percent to apply at a bond hearing on Aug. 11. Jones has been charged with three counts of retail theft, three counts of theft and one count of burglary.

The Attorney's Office said Jones and an unknown accomplice allegedly went to the Thornton's gas station at 476 N. York Road, in Elmhurst, at 5:50 p.m. Aug. 7. Once inside, Jones' accomplice allegedly distracted the cashier, while Jones, who was wearing a surgical mask, entered the stock room and put 103 cartons of cigarettes, worth $9,000, into a large bag. The two then exited the store.

An investigation into the matter, conducted by the Elmhurst Police Department, led to Jones who was taken into custody the following day from his home without incident, the Attorney's Office said.

“According to a recent National Retail Federation survey, American retailers lose more than $18 billion each year to theft,” DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said in a release. “The quick apprehension of Mr. Jones demonstrates DuPage County’s commitment to keeping our neighborhoods safe from those who would travel to DuPage County intent on committing crime."

The investigation into this matter continues. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Elmhurst Police Department at (630) 530-3050.

Photo provided by DuPage County State's Attorney's Office.