Allegations include enlisting of one defendant’s minor children in commission of the offense
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin, Wheaton Deputy Chief of Police Ryan Conway and Oak Brook Chief of Police Brian Strockis announced today the recent arrests of two individuals accused of stealing from a Wheaton and an Oak Brook retail store in unrelated incidents this past weekend. Jennifer Adams, 31 (d.o.b. 10/12/1992) of the 4400 block of S. Greenwood Avenue, Chicago and Victor Hugo Diaz Castillo, 42 (d.o.b. 3/11/1982) a Venezuelan migrant currently staying Chicago, both appeared in First Appearance Court this weekend each charged with one count of Burglary (Class 2 Felony) and one count of Retail Theft (Class 3 Felony). Additionally, Adams is charged with one count of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, a Class 1 Felony. Both defendants were released pre-trial as the charges against them are non-detainable under the dangerousness standard.
It is alleged that on December 12, 2023, at approximately 8:26 p.m., Adams entered the Ulta Beauty store located at 112 Danada Square West, Wheaton, with her two minor children. It is further alleged that once inside the store, Adams selected more than $300 worth of fragrances and left the store. Additionally, according to the criminal complaint filed against her, it is further alleged that Adams directed her two minor children “in the commission of a criminal offense being a burglary to the Ulta Beauty.” On March 11, 2024, following an investigation into the burglary conducted by the Wheaton Police Department, Judge Michael Burton issued an arrest warrant for Adams. She was arrested on the warrant on April 12, 2024.
On April 13, 2024, at approximately 4:34 p.m., officers with the Oak Brook Police Department responded to a call of a burglary at the Macy’s department store located at 1 Oakbrook Center. It is alleged that Diaz Castillo entered Macy’s, selected more than $300 worth of Hugo Boss pants and shirts, and then left the store without paying for the merchandise. Oak Brook police officers arrested Diaz Castillo outside the store.
“The message DuPage County law enforcement is sending to would-be thieves is simple, if you come to DuPage County to steal, you will be arrested, charged and prosecuted,” Berlin said. “What I find particularly troubling in the case against Ms. Adams is the allegation that she enlisted her two minor children to assist her in her criminal activity. Contrary to popular belief, retail theft is not a victimless crime and results in lost profits for business owners, lost wages for employees and higher prices for consumers. I commend the Wheaton and Oak Brook Police Departments for their continued efforts in keeping our retail establishments safe from those who believe that they can get away with this type of behavior in DuPage County. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Anthony Raimondi and Michael Pingaj for their work in securing charges against Ms. Adams and Mr. Diaz Castillo.”
“The Wheaton Police Department is committed to ensuring the safety and security of our community,” Conway said. “We pursue any criminal intent within our city with unwavering dedication. I commend our officers, evidence technicians, and investigations division, notably Detective Kevin Freeman, for their swift resolution of the recent alleged incident. I extend my gratitude to DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his team for their assistance in securing search warrants and approving charges against those involved. I also recognize Chief Brian Strockis and the Oak Brook Police Department for their collaboration. Together, we are dedicated to preserving the safety of all residents, guests, and businesses within our cities and throughout DuPage County.”
“What’s disturbing about this case is that Mr. Diaz Castillo was arrested the day before this incident for retail theft in Cook County and released,” Strockis said. “He clearly has demonstrated that he is not good at stealing and he should realize that our loss prevention agents and police officers are well trained and vigilant in our joint efforts to keep Oak Brook and DuPage County safe. I’d like to thank our officers for another good arrest and also thank State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his team for their assistance and guidance on this case.”
Adams’ next court appearance is scheduled for May 6, 2024, for arraignment in courtroom 4012. Diaz’s next court appearance is scheduled for May 13, 2024, for arraignment in courtroom 4006.
Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendants’ guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
