Shoplifting Mama Accused of Turning Young Daughter Into a Delinquent: Prosecutor

CRESTWOOD, IL -- A Cook County judge gave an Alsip woman a stern talking-to after she was accused of turning her young daughter into a delinquent by directing the girl to steal hundreds of dollars worth of merchandise from a Crestwood department store.

Sarah Rehling, 31, was arrested on Aug. 17, after she was observed putting merchandise from Kohl’s,13130 , into a cart pushed by her daughter, prosecutors said. She was charged with felony retail theft and misdemeanor contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

The assistant public defender told the judge that Rehling is due to graduate with dual bachelor’s degrees in chemistry and biology. She was recently offered a job in California.

“She’s teaching her impressionable daughter stealing and shoplifting, presuming she’s innocent,” Cook County Judge Peter Felice told a weeping Rehling. “What a great mother you’re going to be.”

When the assistant public defender said that Rehling lacked funds for bond, Judge Felice ordered electronic home monitoring and released her on a $25,000 I-bond. He told Rehling to bring in her college schedule to set up a future curfew.

“I’m ordering home confinement,” the judge said. “I want you to look at that ankle bracelet everyday and think about your daughter.”

Rehling is due back in court Sept. 7 in Bridgeview.