Alleged Spa Thief Arrested After His Photo Is Posted On Facebook

PALOS PARK, IL -- A Bolingbrook man wanted for allegedly stealing $2,000 from a Palos Park spawas arrested on Jan. 7, after he was identified from an image circulated on social media, police said. Stephen May, 60, appeared before Cook County Judge Donald Havis on a felony theft charge.

According to the charges, May went to the 12 Massage Spa, 12912 S, La Grange Road, in Palos Park on Jan. 4 for a foot massage. He paid for the service in cash, then apparently hung around the front of the spa. The prosecutor said May went behind the counter and took $2,000 in cash.

When employees at the spa noticed the money missing, they filed a delayed report with police. Police released an image of a heavy set male later identified as May to the news media and on social media.

On Monday, another massage business contacted police who recognized him from a similar stunt pulled at their business, Palos Park investigators said. May had allegedly stolen a small amount of cash. The other business never reported the alleged incident to police, but they did get a license plate number. A second member of the public also called police who had recognized May.

Detectives Kotsianis and Campbell were able to identify May and arrested him at his home. The prosecutor said that May admitted taking the money because “there was an opportunity.” May has no prior criminal background.

“I don’t believe he realized there were cameras,” Detective Campbell said. “What really helped this case was that the video was so clear and putting it on social media, and people caring enough to call.”

May, of the 100-200 block of Malibu in Bolingbrook, was released on a $10,000 I-bond. May’s next court date is Jan. 24 in Bridgeview.