Dupage Policy Journal

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Oak Brook Chief of Police Brian Strockis announced today that charges have been filed against two Chicago women for allegedly stealing more than $1,150 worth of merchandise from the Oak Brook Ulta Beauty store. Reneashia McDowell, 31, and Shania Jacobs, 28, both appeared in court this morning charged with one count of Burglary (Class 2 Felony) and two counts of Retail Theft (one Class 2 Felony and one Class 3 Felony). Both women are presently on pre-trial release for allegedly stealing $499.98 worth of merchandise from the Yorktown JCPenney department store on August 9, 2024. At today’s hearing, where both women were released on the new charges as required by law, the State filed a petition to revoke both McDowell’s and Jacobs’ pre-trial release on their previous case. Judge Margaret O’Connell granted the State’s petition to revoke pre-trial release for both women.

It is alleged that on August 9, 2024, McDowell and Jacobs entered the JCPenney store at Yorktown Mall Drive and walked toward the children’s section. After selecting items of children's clothing and jewelry, they allegedly entered a fitting room together before exiting without paying for the items. Both women were arrested, charged with felony burglary and retail theft, and released with conditions.

In the most recent case, it is alleged that on August 29, 2024, McDowell and Jacobs entered the Ulta Beauty store carrying empty bags. They then selected perfumes, placed them in their bags without paying for them before being arrested by Oak Brook police officers outside the store.

“Judge O’Connell’s order to revoke pre-trial release... sends the message that in DuPage County we take these types of crimes seriously,” Berlin said. “Retail theft is not a victimless crime... If you violate those conditions [of pre-trial release], you may find yourself behind bars awaiting trial.”

“These two offenders figured they'd come out to Oak Brook for an easy steal... I hope these offenders tell their friends about their experience here,” Strockis added.

The next court date for McDowell is scheduled for September 24, 2024; Jacobs' arraignment is set for September 23, 2024. Both cases will be heard by Judge O’Connell.

Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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