Teen Accused Of Swiping $4,700 In Items From EP Plaza Stores

EVERGREEN PARK, IL — A Chicago teen’s six-month shoplifting spree ended Sunday when he was recognized by police from past incidents in the Evergreen Plaza parking lot, prosecutors said. Jeremiah Simmons, 18, appeared before Cook County Judge Peter Felice on felony and misdemeanor retail theft charges.

The prosecutor said Simmons entered Burlington Coat Factory in the Evergreen Plaza on Oct. 6 with two other uncharged individuals. According to store loss-prevention officers, Simmons was captured on security video removing 17 items valued at $1,189. Simmons made good on his escape, the prosecutor said.

On Oct. 10, the prosecutor said Simmons returned to the Evergreen Plaza, this time stealing eight items with a total value of $539 from TJ Maxx.

Simmons visited Ross Dress for Less at the Plaza on Dec. 3, where he was observed by the store manager walking to the coat rack area and removing 30 items with a retail value of $1,799, the prosecutor said.

The teen was arrested outside Burlington Coat Factory on Dec. 15 when Evergreen Park police spotted him from past incidents, the prosecutor said. Court records indicated that officers were forced to wrestle Simmons to the ground when he resisted arrest.

Police said Simmons confessed to stealing the store merchandise, which he sold on the street for a profit. Simmons was also tied to other thefts at TJ Maxx on July 24, where he took 11 items valued at $954, Burlington Coat Factory on July 26, where he took 12 items valued at $241, according to court records. Those thefts were not charged as felonies, because they fell under the $1,000 threshold, the prosecutor said.

Asked if his parents knew he was in jail, Simmons told the judge his dad was aware he had been arrested, but was not in court.

“If you used all this energy and focused on school, you’d be a good student,” Felice said. “When is enough, enough.”

Bail was set at $50,000 for the two felony charges, and $10,000 for each misdemeanor theft. Simmons has upcoming court hearings on Jan. 15 and Jan. 21 in Bridgeview.