Parolee Arrested 12th Time For Retail Theft: Prosecutor

PALOS HEIGHTS, IL — A Chicago man was arrested for shoplifting after he walked out of Jewel-Osco with two boxes of over-the-counter medicine, prosecutors said. Robert Wise, 39, appeared before Cook County Judge John Mahoney on a charge of felony retail theft. The prosecutor said this was Wise’s twelfth arrest for the same offense.

Palos Heights police were called to Jewel-Osco at 12803 S. Harlem Ave. at 2 p.m. April 24 for a report of a suspicious person. Wise was observed allegedly grabbing merchandise off the shelves and leaving the store without paying. He had previously been told that he was not welcome at the store, police said.

The prosecutor said Wise was found outside the store with two boxes of over-the-counter medicine valued at $55.19 under his hoodie. Wise has a pending misdemeanor warrant from Palos Heights police for retail theft at the same Jewel, according to police. Police said that Wise provided a false name and birth.

In addition to Wise’s twelfth shoplifting arrest, he also has 17 bond forfeitures, the prosecutor said. Wise is currently on parole for retail theft, according to state records.

“Retail theft is not a big deal, however, with a background like this [bail is] going to be $100,000,” Mahoney said.

Wise was also charged with criminal trespassing, obstructing ID and an in-state warrant. Wise is due back in court May 8 in Bridgeview.