Convicted Sex Predator Steals Man's Identity to Purchase Snow Blowers: POLICE

EVERGREEN PARK, IL -- A convicted sex predator who until a few days ago was listed as missing in action on the Illinois Sex Offender Registry is charged with using altered ID to purchase items at an Evergreen Park hardware store, prosecutors said.

Bobby Purnell, 38, appeared before Cook County Judge Donald Havis on charges of unlawful use of a credit card, and identity theft. He also has a pending case for violating an order of protection.

According to the charges, Purnell ordered two snow blowers online Dec. 10, 2016 from Ace Hardware in Evergreen Park. When he returned the next day to pick up the snow blowers, employees became suspicious when he presented a driver’s license different from the day before. The prosecutor said the driver’s license had Purnell’s photo, but someone else’s name and address. The snow blowers were valued at $1,159.98.

Evergreen Park police arrested Purnell on April 25. Purnell had another pending charge for violating an order of protection and was ordered held without bail. Bail for the new charge was set at $25,000. Purnell is due back in court May 11 in Bridgeview.

Purnell is a registered sex predator with a conviction for aggravated criminal sexual abuse. His victim was 16 and Purnell was 25 at the time of the offense.