Fugitive Accused of Stealing Large Amount of Wrigley's Chewing Gum

Awadh Abudayeh, 23 | Cook County Sheriff

Tinley Park, IL -- A Burbank man wanted on a statutory rape warrant stole a large amount of gum from Sam’s Club that he entered using a fraudulent member card, prosecutors said in court.

Awadh Abudayeh, 23, was charged with retail theft and identity theft. He also has an active warrant for statutory rape out of North Carolina, according to records.

Security officers at Sam’s Club, 16100 S. Harlem Ave., Tinley Park, said that Abudayeh entered the store around 1:41 p.m. July 3.

Prosecutors said Abudayeh 40 boxes of Wrigley’s Winterfresh gum and 20 boxes of Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit valued at $714 off of store shelves and left the store without paying.

When stopped by security officers, Abudayeh allegedly presented an unlisted Sam’s Club membership card. He later made admissions that he used someone else’s ID to set up the store membership, prosecutors said.
Abudayeh claimed that his brother-in-law let him use the Sam’s Club card. He also said in court that it’s his brother that’s wanted on the sex charge.

Bail was set at $100,000. Abudayeh’s next court date is July 20 in Bridgeview.