DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Oak Brook Deputy Chief of Police Reid Foltyniewicz announced today that charges have been filed against two individuals for allegedly stealing more than $2,800 worth of merchandise from the Oak Brook Macy’s store. Luis Mendez-Gomez, 28 (d.o.b. 9/9/1995) and Frank Montez-Davila, 23 (d.o.b. 10/17/2000), both of Venezuela currently staying in Chicago, appeared at First Appearance Court this morning where Judge Joshua Dieden denied the State’s motion to deny pre-trial release for both defendants. Both defendants are charged with one count of Burglary (Class 2 Felony) and one count of Retail Theft (Class 3 Felony). Additionally, Mendez-Gomez was cited for Misdemeanor driving without a valid driver’s license.
On October 31, 2023, at approximately 1:42 p.m., Oak Brook police officers were on patrol at the Oak Brook Center parking lot when they allegedly observed suspicious behavior by two individuals, later identified as Mendez-Gomez and Montez-Davila, as they exited the Macy’s store carrying a “happy birthday” bag and a backpack containing merchandise. It is alleged that the pair entered a car and left the area. A short time later, officers conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle during which officers allegedly found sixteen high-end fragrances and one pair of pants with a total approximate value of $2,832.50. Following an investigation into the matter, it is alleged that Mendez-Gomez and Montes-Davila entered the Macy’s store together and that once inside the store, Mendez-Gomez removed the “happy birthday” bag and backpack from under his shirt. It is alleged that the pair then filled the bag and backpack with the fragrances and pants and then exited the store without paying for the items.
“With the holiday shopping season fast approaching, I want to assure the public that in DuPage County we are one hundred percent committed to protecting our retail establishments, their employees and patrons, and anyone accused of robbing, burglarizing or shoplifting from any DuPage County business will be apprehended, charged and prosecuted,” Berlin said. “According to the National Retail Federation, from 2021 to 2022, retail theft nationwide increased by approximately $16 billion to more than $112 billion. These losses not only cause significant financial hardship to businesses and their employees, but also result in higher prices for shoppers and loss of tax revenue for the entire community. I commend the Oak Brook Police Department for their work apprehending the defendants in this case, as well as for their ongoing efforts, particularly over the past week-and-one-half that resulted in arrest and filing of charges against nine individuals accused of stealing from the Oak Brook Macy’s store. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Alyssa Rabulinski and Michael Pingaj for their work in securing charges against the two defendants.”
“We want to thank State's Attorney Bob Berlin and his entire staff for their continued support of the Oak Brook community,” Foltyniewicz said. We are firm in our efforts against organized retail crime as we endlessly protect our community. We want everyone to be aware of the increase in criminal activity from the migrant community coming from Chicago. We thank you for your support.”
Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendants’ guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
