Three charged in Naperville puppy theft

Three people, including two store employees, are facing criminal charges on suspicion they conspired to steal a 2-month-old Pomeranian puppy from a Naperville Petland store.

Police obtained a warrant today for the arrest of Emanuel Lopez, 19, of 13539 Rickefeller, Plainfield, on felony retail theft charges. He is being sought by police.

Authorities accused him of stealing the puppy Friday morning from the store at 720 N. Route 59. An unidentified 45-year-old Plainfield woman returned the pooch unharmed to the store Monday.

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Two employees, Anais M. Marquez, 19, 24403 Kennedy Court, and Karlie A. Pellock, 19, 13345 Mary Lee Court, both of Plainfield, were charged later that day with misdemeanor retail theft.

Police said their investigation revealed that Marquez and Pellock conspired with Lopez, an acquaintance, to steal the puppy and then sell it to them for $60. Both employees were in the store working when the puppy was taken.

The pooch is worth about $1,500.