Suspect Arrested in String of Lottery Ticket Thefts across DuPage County
Wheaton Man Charged with Felony Counts of Continuing Financial Crimes Enterprise, Burglary, and Retail Theft
A Wheaton man was denied pretrial release Saturday following his arrest Friday on charges of stealing lottery tickets from convenience stores throughout DuPage County.
Authorities Identify Suspect and Connect him to Multiple Incidents
Yonas Beyene, 37, of the 2000 block of West Roosevelt Road, made his initial court appearance after being charged with felony counts of continuing financial crimes enterprise, burglary, and retail theft. Authorities said Beyene is a suspect in the theft of lottery tickets over the past three months in Elmhurst, Addison, Winfield, Carol Stream, Hanover Park, Oakbrook Terrace, and Lombard. Before his arrest Friday in Villa Park, he had three outstanding warrants for theft of lottery tickets, according to the DuPage County state’s attorney’s office.
Recent Incidents Linked to Suspect’s Arrest
In the most recent case, Elmhurst police said the suspect took $730 worth of scratch-off tickets from two containers at the 7-Eleven store at 155 E. First St. at 1:47 a.m. on December 22. Police said he entered the store two and a half hours prior, when the store clerk allowed him to remain inside so he could warm up and charge his phone while waiting for a ride.
When the clerk went into the cooler, Beyene reached around to the lottery display, then left with the tickets, DuPage County prosecutors said.
Conclusion
The arrest of Yonas Beyene marks a significant development in the investigation into a string of lottery ticket thefts across DuPage County. Authorities are working to determine if there are any additional suspects or accomplices involved in the case.
FAQs
* What is the alleged motive behind the lottery ticket thefts?
The motive is not yet clear, but authorities suspect the thefts were committed for financial gain.
* How many convenience stores were targeted in the string of thefts?
Multiple convenience stores in Elmhurst, Addison, Winfield, Carol Stream, Hanover Park, Oakbrook Terrace, and Lombard were targeted.
* What is the current status of the suspect, Yonas Beyene?
Beyene is being held without bail and is scheduled for a pretrial hearing.
