Burglary suspect released after allegedly stealing $68K in purses, items from high-end boutique with a sledgehammer

A burglary suspect in a Chicago suburb was released from jail Thursday, after allegedly stealing tens of thousands of dollars in items from a high-end boutique.

The DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office said in a Facebook post that Terry Johnson, 30, was released from jail Thursday after allegedly stealing $68,000 in merchandise from Kelsey Resale Boutique in Hinsdale, Illinois, May 24.

An investigation revealed that Johnson and six accomplices broke into the store with a sledgehammer at 1:19 a.m., and then stole an assortment of purses and other merchandise. 

A judge ordered that Johnson wear a GPS monitoring device and remain at least 1,000 feet away from the boutique. He’s being charged with armed violence and burglary.

The suspects fled the area afterward, but investigators found blood evidence near the front door, which was sent for analysis.

A DNA profile consistent with Johnson was returned Aug. 15.

Johnson was taken into custody on Sept. 20 without incident and released one day later.

He is on parole for armed robbery and aggravated battery out of Cook County, prosecutors said.

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin said in a statement that Johnson’s release shows an issue with the newly-passed SAFE-T Act, which eliminates cash bail.

The portion of the bill eliminating cash bail took effect Monday.

“The fact that Mr. Johnson, who is currently on parole and now accused of a forcible felony, will be out on the streets pending his trial illustrates a deficiency in the new law,” Berlin said.

“I have been saying all along that after hearing the facts and circumstances of a case, a judge, not the legislature, is in the best position to decide if pre-trial release for a defendant is appropriate.”

“This morning, while Judge Dieden expressed his concern over the implementation of the law, his hands were tied as he was required by law to release Mr. Johnson pre-trial because the forcible felony of burglary is excluded from the list of detainable offenses under a dangerousness standard unless there is use of force against another person.”

Johnson’s next court date is Oct. 16.