Repeat Offender Stole More Than $1,000 In Alcohol: Frankfort Cops

FRANKFORT, IL — A Chicago man has been charged after stealing alcohol from a Frankfort business, police said. Dewitt Hamilton, 39, has been charged with felony theft and felony retail theft. Hamilton has also been involved with six other incidents of theft since May.

According to police, an officer responded to Mariano's in Frankfort on Aug. 28 in reference to a 911 hang-up. The officer met with loss prevention staff, who said the call was in error, but did inform police they had a man currently in the store who had stolen merchandise before.

Police said the officer began watching the man, now identified as Hamilton, via surveillance cameras in the store. The officer saw Hamilton place two liquor bottles in a backpack and three liquor bottles in a sweatshirt. Hamilton then left the store without paying.

The officer met Hamilton outside the store and placed him into custody. Police said Hamilton had stolen over $213 worth of liquor.

Through investigation, police said they learned Hamilton was a suspect in six other reports filed with the police department. The department took reports about him on May 15, May 17, June 24, Aug. 6, Aug. 7 and Aug. 23. In these other incidents, Hamilton also stole liquor for a total amount of $856.62.

The officer spoke with the Will County State's Attorney's Office and a felony charge was approved due to Hamilton's history, police said. He was taken to the Will County Adult Detention Facility. Hamilton also had outstanding warrants from Midlothian and Palos Heights.

As of Aug. 29, he was still being held at Will County Adult Detention Facility. His bail has been set at $2,000.