Man who stole almost $70k worth of merchandise gets released without bail

HINSDALE, IL – A man suspected of a high-profile burglary in a Chicago suburb was released from jail last Thursday. Terry Johnson, 30, is accused of stealing $68,000 worth of goods from the upscale Kelsey Resale Boutique in Hinsdale, Illinois, on May 24. According to the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office, Johnson and six others used a sledgehammer to break into the boutique at 1:19 a.m., making off with a variety of purses and other items.

The court has ordered Johnson to wear a GPS tracking device and maintain a distance of at least 1,000 feet from the boutique. He faces charges of armed violence and burglary. Johnson was apprehended on September 20 without any issues and was released the following day. He is currently on parole for armed robbery and aggravated battery in Cook County.

After the suspects fled the scene, investigators discovered blood evidence near the front door. The sample was sent for analysis and a DNA profile matching Johnson’s was returned on August 15.

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin expressed concern over Johnson’s release, citing issues with the recently enacted SAFE-T Act, which abolishes cash bail. Berlin believes that judges, not lawmakers, should have the final say on pre-trial release based on the specifics of each case. Johnson’s next court appearance is scheduled for October 16.