Two individuals have been charged in separate retail theft incidents in DuPage County, following arrests made by Oak Brook and Elmhurst police. Jehnyejah Moore, 22, of Woodridge, and Jrlani Williams, 32, of Chicago, appeared in First Appearance Court where Judge Joshua Dieden granted the State’s motion to detain both pre-trial.
Moore faces one count of Retail Theft (Class 3 Felony) and one count of Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding a Police Officer (Class 4 Felony). Williams is charged with Burglary (Class 2 Felony), Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding a Police Officer, as well as multiple misdemeanor and petty offenses including Retail Theft, Resisting a Police Officer, and Driving While License Suspended.
On February 10, Oak Brook police responded to Nordstrom at Oakbrook Center after receiving a report of retail theft. Officers identified Moore as the suspect after she allegedly fled from law enforcement at speeds reaching approximately 112 mph before officers ended the pursuit for safety reasons. She was later taken into custody at her residence without incident. According to authorities, Moore allegedly removed anti-theft sensors from merchandise inside Nordstrom before leaving without paying. Most items were recovered by store security except for one package of SKIMS undergarments.
Later that day in Elmhurst, police responded to Kohl’s on South Route 83 regarding another theft. It is alleged that Williams parked a white Jaguar F-Type in a handicap spot before entering the store and removing anti-theft devices from selected merchandise. Officers used surveillance tactics and placed a stop stick under his vehicle’s tire. When confronted outside the store, Williams allegedly drove over the stop stick—deflating his tire—and fled before abandoning his car nearby. He was found hiding in trees after a brief foot chase.
“With the warm weather just around the corner, we encourage everyone to come to DuPage County and enjoy all we have to offer,” said DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin. “We are an extremely welcoming community, but I want to emphasize that we are welcoming only to those who obey the law. Law enforcement in DuPage County is extremely well-trained and prepared to arrest anyone who comes here intent on criminal activity. Judge Dieden’s order granting our request to deny pre-trial release for these two defendants sends a strong message that we will not tolerate the type of behavior alleged against these defendants who now find themselves incarcerated awaiting trial. I commend the Oak Brook and Elmhurst Police Departments for their work on these cases and their continued efforts in protecting our local businesses. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Sean Kinsella and Kevin Kosman for their work in securing charges against these two defendants.”
“These two incidents underscore a clear message: the eastern edge of this county is not the place to commit a crime,” said Oak Brook Chief of Police Brian Strockis. “The technology, coordination, and investigative tactics used to bring these offenders to justice were truly exceptional. I am grateful for the strong partnerships we maintain with our allied agencies, who work collaboratively every day to keep our communities safe. I also want to commend the officers involved for their continued dedication and outstanding work. Finally, I extend my sincere thanks to State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his team for their assistance and guidance throughout this case.”
Elmhurst Chief of Police Michael McLean added: “Choosing to run from law enforcement, whether behind the wheel or on foot, puts lives at risk,” McLean said. “I’m proud of the effective response by our officers, who leveraged pursuit termination equipment, public safety cameras and their physical effort to bring this incident to a safe and lawful conclusion. I also thank our assisting law enforcement partners and State’s Attorney Bob Berlin for holding fleeing offenders accountable for their crimes in DuPage County.”
Moore is scheduled for her next court appearance on February 17 before Judge Daniel Guerin; Williams’ next appearance is set for March 9 before Judge Brian Telander.
Officials remind that all charges are allegations at this stage; both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
DuPage County has seen significant educational activity recently as well; during the 2022-23 school year there were more than 142,000 students enrolled across its schools with an average student-to-teacher ratio of about thirteen-to-one according to state data (https://www.isbe.net/Pages/Home.aspx). The county’s schools also recorded higher teacher absenteeism rates compared with Illinois averages during that period (https://www.isbe.net/Pages/Home.aspx).
