A Chicago woman, aged 42, has been implicated in a large-scale shoplifting operation accused of stealing over $100,000 in merchandise. The group allegedly recruited homeless individuals to pilfer items from Lululemon and other retailers, offering cash and drugs in return.
Roise Spencer was apprehended on Monday following observations by Lululemon’s loss prevention team and Cook County Sheriff’s Police Organized Retail Crime investigators, who suspected a fraudulent return at the store located at 930 North Rush Street, according to the sheriff’s office.
Authorities stated that the merchandise involved in the return was stolen, and Spencer exchanged it for store credit before departing in a black Jeep. The sheriff’s police intercepted the vehicle near the Mag Mile, arresting Spencer due to an outstanding warrant related to a separate drug possession and theft case, as per the sheriff’s office.
Further investigation revealed that Spencer rented a storage unit in the 1000 block of West 111th Street. This unit was linked to a theft ring that targeted northeastern Illinois, allegedly using homeless individuals to steal from various stores, including Lululemon, the sheriff’s office reported.
The group reportedly compensated recruits with money, drugs, or clothing for stolen merchandise. The goods were then returned to stores in exchange for store credit. Spencer’s storage unit was among several examined by investigators in April, resulting in the recovery of tens of thousands of dollars in reportedly stolen merchandise, according to the sheriff’s office.
The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office has charged Spencer with theft exceeding $10,000. She remains in custody on the outstanding warrant.
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