Paramedic Who Stole Drugs From Hospital Captured: Joliet Police

JOLIET, IL — Two months after Joliet Patch broke the news surrounding the arrest warrant for a paramedic who is accused of stealing ketamine and bringing his own personal stash of cocaine to Troy Fire Station 2 on Seil Road, Joliet police have assisted Shorewood police by capturing felony defendant Alex Wilhelmi.

The 32-year-old resident from Joliet's Taylor Street was booked into the Will County Jail around 11 p.m. Tuesday.

On May 8, Wilhelmi possessed cocaine, according to September's criminal complaint from Shorewood Police Detective Paul Retzke. Wilhelmi also unlawfully possessed ketamine and the theft charge states Wilhelmi obtained or exerted unauthorized control over property from the Morris Hospital at 150 West High St., specifically medical narcotics, "with the intent to deprive the owner permanently of the use or benefit of said property."

Shorewood Deputy Police Chief Jason Barten previously said the investigation was lengthy because Shorewood police had to verify the contraband and also work the investigation through numerous entities including Troy Fire, Metro Paramedics and the Morris Hospital in addition to conducting numerous interviews with various employees.

Barten said it's his understanding the cocaine and other controlled substances were discovered by Troy Fire Protection District staff at Fire Station 2 on Seil Road. Afterward, Wilhelmi was escorted off the property, back on May 8, and he is not involved with Troy Fire any longer.

On the date of the incident in May, Wilhelmi acknowledged the contraband was his, Barten said. Troy Fire staff notified Shorewood police of the incident after discovering a small bag of white powder, that later proved to be cocaine, the deputy police chief said.