Longtime Republican lawmaker Pihos faces retail theft charge

A Glen Ellyn woman who served six terms in the General Assembly is free on $1,500 bail following a recent shoplifting arrest, authorities said.

Former Republican Rep. Sandra Pihos, of the 500 block of Williamsburgh Road, is charged with retail theft.

Pihos served in the General Assembly from January 2003 to January 2015. During that time she served on many committees, including one focused on consumer protection, and was four times named the Western DuPage Special Recreation Association's Illinois Legislator of the Year.

According to court documents, Pihos, 71, stole three female clothing items, valued at $571, from Von Maur in Lombard's Yorktown Shopping Center at 2:05 p.m. Sept. 26.

The Lombard police report obtained via a Freedom of Information request was largely redacted.

But authorities said Pihos returned to the store around 9:18 p.m. that same day and attempted to return the stolen items for cash or store credit.

Pihos could not immediately be reached for comment.

Her next court appearance is scheduled for 9 a.m. Nov. 3 in DuPage County.

Before serving in the legislature, Pihos worked as an elementary and middle school teacher, a gifted and special education teacher, a high school guidance counselor, and the owner of a restaurant management firm.