Dupage Policy Journal

A Naperville woman has been charged with enlisting her two juvenile daughters to steal more than $4,600 worth of merchandise from the Yorktown JC Penney department store. DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Lombard Chief of Police Tom Wirsing announced the charges today.

Ritka Jain, 36, of the 2500 block of Warm Springs Lane, faces two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor (Class 1 Felony), one count of burglary (Class 2 Felony), and one count of retail theft (Class 3 Felony).

On June 13, 2024, at approximately 1:24 pm, officers from the Lombard Police Department responded to a suspected retail theft at JC Penney located at 175 Yorktown Mall Drive in Lombard. According to investigators, Jain and her daughters, ages nine and five, entered the store where Jain allegedly used them to help conceal merchandise in a piece of luggage and inside a baby stroller. The stolen items reportedly included 207 pieces of clothing, one pair of shoes, three toys, and the piece of luggage itself, totaling $4,607.97. It is further alleged that Jain and her daughters exited the store without paying for these items.

Jain was released on her own recognizance at the scene.

“The very idea that Ms. Jain enlisted her two young daughters to help her steal more than $4,600 worth of merchandise is extremely disturbing,” Berlin said. “Retail theft, which according to the National Retail Foundation amounted to nearly $35 billion in losses nationwide in 2022, is not a victimless crime. Losses are ultimately paid for by consumers, employees, business owners, shareholders and entire communities. I thank the Lombard Police Department for their efforts in keeping our retail establishments safe for employees and patrons. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorney Michael Paup for his work in preparing a strong case against Ms. Jain."

“The Lombard Police Department would like to thank State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his staff for their assistance on this disturbing case,” Wirsing said.

Jain’s next court appearance is scheduled for July 22, 2024, for arraignment before Judge Ann Celine O’Hallaren Walsh.

Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.