Boyfriend Accused of Stealing from Girlfriend's Family to Support Gambling Habit

TINLEY PARK, IL -- An Orland Park man who was staying with his girlfriend’s family in Tinley Park was arrested on Nov. 22 when family members noticed various collectable coins and jewelry missing from the house, including a ring that was to be buried with the recently deceased mother, prosecutors said in court.

Issak Erkapic, 23, appeared before Cook County Judge Peter Felice on a felony theft charge. The estimated loss is $9,400, but the family told police they believe $63,000 in items were stolen from the home, according to the allegations.

The prosecutor said that between Erkapic was staying with his girlfriend’s family in the 7800 block of South Joliet Drive. Between April and October, Erkapic began stealing rare coins and jewelry before pawning the items.

On Oct. 13, the family alleged that Erkapic took a ring valued at $9,400 off a counter that was to be buried with their recently deceased mother. The family noticed that other items were missing as well. Erkapic admitted to his girlfriend’s family and to police that he stole the items and pawned them to support his gambling habit, the prosecutor said.

He has no prior criminal background.

The assistant public defender told the judge that Erkapic recently lost his job and could stay with his own family in Orland Park.

“How are these people going to recover their loss,” Judge Felice said before setting bail at $100,000.

Erkapic was ordered not to contact his girlfriend’s family while the case is pending.

“I’m assuming you two are no longer together,” the judge said.

Erkapic’s due back in court next month in Bridgeview.