Couple pleads not guilty to stealing wallets

A Cook County couple accused of stealing wallets from customers in a Riverwoods restaurant and using their credit cards pleaded not guilty Wednesday in Lake County circuit court.

Rickey Anderson, 51, of Chicago, and Marva Karikari, 40, of Darien, are charged with burglary, unlawful use of a credit card and identity theft in the case.

Assistant State’s Attorney Matthew DeMartini said the pair made several visits to the Panera Bread restaurant on Route 21 in Riverwoods and were suspected of stealing wallets from other customers.

On Jan. 28, the pair is accused of taking the wallet of a Des Plaines woman and using the three credit cards inside to buy $1,593 worth of gift cards and watches at a nearby department store.

Restaurant employees spotted the couple again on Feb. 2, DeMartini said, but not before they had taken the wallet of a Lindenhurst woman.

Police said the couple went to the same department store and purchased $3,112 worth of gift cards and socks.

Police stopped their car as they were driving away from the department store, DeMartini said, and took both into custody.

Associate Judge Theodore Potkonjak ordered Anderson to appear in court May 1, and Karikari was scheduled for an April 12 appearance.

DeMartini said both face up to seven years in prison if convicted.