Lisle Library custodian pleads guilty to stealing books
A Glen Ellyn man has been banned from the Lisle Public Library after pleading guilty to stealing books, DVDs and other materials worth thousands of dollars while working there as a custodian, authorities said Thursday.
James F. Jackson, 44, of the 300 block of Spruce Lane, also must serve two years of probation and pay $2,500 in restitution. He received credit for about two months served in the county jail and was released earlier this week, according to court records.
Jackson worked for an outside custodial crew hired to clean the library after hours. Library officials became aware of the thefts in April when an employee found a ledger Jackson left behind that listed items he had stolen or planned to steal.
Authorities said Jackson posted a long list of items for sale on Amazon.com; another list outlined items he didn’t have but could acquire upon request. When he made a sale, he used a stamp to indicate to customers the items were no longer library property.
Police obtained Jackson’s identity from Amazon by subpoena after he agreed to sell a book to undercover officers.
They subsequently searched his apartment and found it packed with thousands of library items. There were so many books, DVDs and other materials, authorities said, police had to haul it away in a box truck.
Jackson pleaded guilty Tuesday to felony theft of government property and was sentenced under a plea agreement accepted by DuPage County Judge John Kinsella.
Assistant Public Defender Ricky Holman said the $2,500 restitution would cover the library’s insurance deductible.
Jackson could not be reached for comment.