Two Lake County residents have been charged after police say they recovered stolen mail and packages that belonged to over 40 victims throughout the Chicagoland area.
Mount Prospect Police Department Gang Unit officers conducted a traffic stop on a Kia Spectra around 7:50 p.m. on January 26 in the 1800 block of West Palm Drive.
Officers witnessed the vehicle commit multiple traffic violations.
They spoke with the driver and passenger of the vehicle, Stephanie Klus and Edwin De Jesus, and learned of drug paraphernalia in the vehicle, police officials said.
Officers conducted a search of the vehicle, which resulted in the recovery of numerous credit and debit cards, checks, mail, packages, driver’s licenses and a passport that did not belong to Klus or De Jesus.
Officers also located a stun gun, butterfly knife, brass knuckles and “purported” illegal drugs.
Officers learned Klus, 32, and De Jesus, 49, both of Park City, had stolen packages and mail from multiple locations across the Chicagoland area, police officials said.
They allegedly used the stolen credit cards to make unauthorized purchases.
Officers have been able to identify over 40 victims, most of them residing outside of Mount Prospect.
The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office reviewed the case and approved charges.
Klus was charged with continuing financial crimes enterprise, possession of a controlled substance, unlawful use of weapons and one count of unlawful possession of a hypodermic needle.
De Jesus was charged with continuing financial crimes enterprise and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.
Klus and De Jesus were transported to a bond hearing and Klus’ bond was set at $10,000.
De Jesus was released on a $10,000 personal recognizance bond.
Klus is scheduled to appear in court again on February 17 and De Jesus is scheduled to appear in court again on March 3.