Chicago Family Caught Shoplifting in Aurora

Photo: From left to right, Jonathan Rodriguez, Maria Perea and Ramon Ayala.

Five members of a Chicago family, including two juveniles, have all been charged with felony retail theft resulting from an undercover Aurora police investigation at the Chicago Premium Outlet Mall, according to a release from the Aurora Police Department.

Maria C. Perea, 61, of the 2500 block of South Kedzie Street; Jonathan R. Rodriguez, 33, of the 2600 block of South Lawndale Avenue; and Ramon L. Ayala, 28, of the 2300 block of South Whipple Avenue; along with a 16 year old boy and 16 year old girl were all charged at about 4 p.m., Sept. 4 after Aurora Police secured charges through the Kane County State’s Attorney. The adults were also charged with single counts of felony contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

The five accused people were allegedly seen stealing various items from numerous stores at the Outlet Mall in the 1600 block of Premium Outlet Boulevard by officers from the Aurora Police Department’s Community Oriented Policing Unit. The officers, all of whom were dressed in plain clothes, also saw the alleged offenders stashing the merchandise in their SUV. When officers confronted the group, they recovered around $3,200 in items from 16 different stores.

Reports indicate that Perea was the apparent ringleader of the group that Rodriguez is her son, and they are both related to the 16-year-old boy. Ayala and the 16-year-old girl are also relatives.

The boy was released to a family member while the girl was taken to the Kane County Youth Home in St. Charles on an outstanding domestic battery warrant.

The next court date for all of the adults is September 17 at the Kane County Judicial Center in St. Charles. Perea is the only adult who posted bail which was set at $15,000. Rodriguez continues to be held in lieu of $75,000 bail and Ayala in lieu of $50,000 bail. They are both being housed in the Kane County Correctional Center in St. Charles.