Heroin Addicts Shoplifted For Fencing Ring: Police

WILMETTE, IL — Heroin addicts were recruited by a fencing ring to shoplift at stores in Chicago and the suburbs, Wilmette police said. The scheme was shut down last week following a monthslong investigation involving the US Department of Agriculture, the Department Homeland Security and police from Chicago, Schaumburg and Wilmette, which also uncovered a food stamp fraud scheme. Four people were charged Tuesday when investigators carried out several search warrants and found more than $100,000 in stolen merchandise and a firearm, according to Deputy Chief Patrick Collins.

Police said the fencing ring would instruct people addicted to heroin to target over the counter medications and other retail products. Although the case began with retail thefts reported in Wilmette, according to Sgt. Michael Robinson, the thieves allegedly stole from numerous stores across the North Shore. The stolen merchandise would then be resold in stores owned and operated by those arrested, according to police.

Jamel Zayyad, 33, of the 12500 block of Anand Brook Drive in Orland Park, was charged with continuing financial crimes enterprise, wire fraud and possession of stolen property.

Ahmad Zayyad, 65, also of the 12500 block of Anand Brook Drive in Orland Park, was charged with possession of a firearm.

Theresa Pratt, 56, of the 1900 block of South Pulaski Avenue in Chicago, was charged with continuing financial crimes enterprise, wire fraud and possession of stolen property.

Grafty Lockett, 59, of the 1400 block of South Kostner Avenue in Chicago, was charged with wire fraud.

Investigators also uncovered widespread food stamp fraud at stores on the West Side of Chicago owned by the Zayyads, according to police. Robinson told Pioneer Press customers at the corner stores would illegally get cash back on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, cards via fraudulent purchases. The merchants would allegedly pocket half the fake grocery purchase.

Photos via Wilmette PD