Cook County jail guard charged with theft

A Cook County correctional officer who conspired with an inmate to buy what he thought was stolen merchandise has been charged with felony theft, authorities said.

In a news release issued Friday, the Cook County's state's attorney's office said 48-year-old Fernando Munoz of Cicero was arrested during an undercover operation.

The state's attorney's office says Munoz was working at the jail when the inmate instructed Munoz to contact an associate of the inmate to buy stolen property. The associate was cooperating with authorities who were investigating allegations of jail misconduct.

Authorities said they stocked a locker with merchandise and arrested Munoz after he put a watch in his pocket and walked out of the locker. It was not immediately clear if Munoz has retained an attorney.