Hawthorn Woods couple accused of cell phone crime spree

A Hawthorn Woods man and his wife accused of fraudulently buying thousands of dollars worth of cellular phones were arrested over the weekend, police said.

Joseph D. Gibrick, 54, of the 0-100 block of Kensington Court, was arrested by Lincolnshire police and charged with online sale of stolen property, aggravated identity theft and felony theft.

His wife, 48-year-old Melissa Gibrick, was arrested by Highland Park police and charged with felony theft. The crime spree goes back at least six months, Lincolnshire Police investigator John-Erik Anderson said. The Gibricks used phony tax identification numbers and company names to buy cellular phones at dozens of retail stores throughout the Chicago area, Anderson said.

Stores in Highland Park, Lincolnshire, Vernon Hills and Round Lake Beach were among those victimized, he said.

"They were all over the map," Anderson said.

At each store, the Gibricks established business accounts that eventually traced back to closed businesses or vacant lots, Anderson said.

"There was no real business going on," Anderson said.

The couple sold the phones online, Anderson said.

Initial police work revealed the couple stole a total of $120,000 worth of telephones from two retail chains, Anderson said. More thefts were expected to be uncovered, he said. Some of the stolen cell phones have been recovered, Anderson said. Police are trying to track others using their serial numbers and registration information.

Melissa Gibrick was arrested about 6 p.m. Friday by Highland Park police. Joseph Gibrick was arrested about 1 a.m. Saturday.

Joseph Gibrick was being held at the Lake County jail Monday on $100,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday.

Melissa Gibrick has been released from custody after a bond hearing, Highland Park police said. No further information was available.