Two Ohio men accused of a high-profile jewelry heist in Yorktown have avoided pre-trial detention, despite the hefty price tag on the stolen goods. Julius Alls, 51, and Demondre Butler, 28, both from Columbus, face charges for allegedly swiping jewelry valued at about $137,000 from Rogers & Holland Jewelers. They are each slapped with one count of theft ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, burglary, and possession of burglary tools, according to a statement from the DuPage County State's Attorney's office.
Details from the Thursday incident reveal that the pair used a crowbar to break into the mall outlet long after normal business hours had winded down. The Lombard Police responded to an alert about the break-in and, a swift investigation led them to locate the suspects, crowbar and all, plus a bag of jewelry casually tossed by the roadside. These findings, however, weren't quite enough for Judge Dieden who, in his pre-trial order, remarked, "If the General Assembly intended burglaries and thefts from jewelry stores of this nature and value to be detainable, they would have stated so."
DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin emphasizes the wider impact of retail crimes, pointing out that burglary and retail theft are not victimless crimes. In a statement obtained by the DuPage County State's Attorney's office, Berlin acknowledged the repercussions felt by shoppers, employers, and communities disrupted by such thefts, calling out the resulting higher prices and reduced economic security.
Lombard Deputy Chief of Police Joe Grage credits his team for their fantastic professional police work that led to the apprehension of Alls and Butler. Despite the setback in court concerning pre-trial detention, Grage expressed gratitude to the state's attorney's office for ensuring the suspects were charged appropriately. The next court date for the duo has been set for March 10, 2025, where they will stand before Judge Ann Celine O'Hallaren Walsh, a reminder that these allegations are only charges at this point and not proof of guilt.
