Trio Twice Steals From Elmhurst Store: Cops

ELMHURST, IL – Three people were arrested last week after twice stealing from Elmhurst's Kohl's, with one person carrying a large magnet to defeat anti-theft devices in the store, authorities said.

The three were identified as Ilys Mary Ledesma Zapata, 37; Christian Johan Saavedra-Omona, 21; and Braud Pineda Avendan, 33, who are from Venezuela but living in Waukegan.

They were charged with felony burglary and retail theft.

About 1 p.m. Friday, the trio entered Kohl's and stole clothing, according to a news release from DuPage County prosecutors.

They then re-entered and took more clothing, the release said. Elmhurst police arrested them.

They were found with $500 worth of stolen clothing and Ledesma Zapata was carrying the large magnet, police said.

"With the hustle and bustle of the holiday shopping season now upon us, I ask everyone to please help us combat theft and if you see something suspicious, please alert store authorities," DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said in the release.

A DuPage County judge denied prosecutors' request for the trio to stay in jail until trial. They are barred from entering the local Kohl's.