Man pleads innocent to thefts from Lisle library

A 43-year-old Glen Ellyn man on Monday denied using his job as a custodian to steal thousands of books, DVDs and other materials from the Lisle Public Library.

James F. Jackson, of the 300 block of Spruce Lane, pleaded innocent to five counts of theft during a brief court appearance.

He was taken into custody last month after authorities recovered numerous items from Lisle’s library during a search of his apartment. Police said they believe Jackson, who was part of an outside company’s custodial crew hired to clean the library, stole many of the items when the facility was closed.

Library officials became aware of the thefts in April when an employee found a note Jackson left behind containing a list of books and other materials he planned to steal, authorities said.

Police said Jackson posted a long list of materials he had for sale on Amazon.com, along with another list of items he didn’t have but could acquire for customers.

Authorities were able to get a warrant to search Jackson’s home and vehicle after undercover officers offered to buy a book from him over the Internet. They got a subpoena to obtain his identity from Amazon.

Jackson remains in DuPage County jail. His next court date is scheduled for Oct. 3.