Chicago man charged with Elgin theft

A 50-year-old Chicago man facing charges he stole nearly $10,000 worth of electronics and fitness items from an Elgin trucking company was released on $10,000 bond Friday.

Prosecutors say William Purtell, who worked as an inbound terminal manager for Estes Express Lines, took three 70-inch televisions and a treadmill. Two of the televisions and the treadmill were recovered from pawnshops, said Cook County Assistant State's Attorney Elizabeth Brogan.

An Estes employee reported the theft on April 7, Brogan said. Police linked Purtell to the missing items from pawnshop surveillance video and from his drivers license, Brogan said.

Purtell has no criminal background. A company spokeswoman confirmed that he no longer works for the company.

If convicted, he faces two to five years in prison. Probation is also available.

He next appears in court on June 6.