Elgin man, woman charged with stealing money, impersonating police officers

An Elgin man and woman are facing felony charges after prosecutors say they stole money from multiple victims while impersonating police officers last month.

While driving around Elgin with 34-year-old Nicole C. Carnes in the passenger seat, Juan J. Rodriguez, 38, is accused of stopping his car on four separate occasions when he saw someone sitting in a parked car on the street, according to the Kane County state's attorney's office.

Rodriguez would identify himself as a police officer, ask questions, shine a flashlight inside and order the victim out of the vehicle, officials said. He then asked to see each victim's driver's license, at which point he grabbed their wallets and stole money.

Rodriguez is accused of taking a total of about $500 in cash from three victims, prosecutors said. Each incident took place late at night or early in the morning on Nov. 19, 24 or 27.

Rodriguez and Carnes were taken into custody Nov. 27 after Elgin police came across the pair engaged in their scheme, officials said. They each have been charged with multiple counts of false personation of a police officer, robbery and theft. Rodriguez also was charged with burglary.

Rodriguez, of the 200 block of Kimball Street, is being held on $150,000 bail at the Kane County jail. His next court date is Jan. 12.

Carnes, who is homeless, is free after posting $750 bond, officials said. Her next court date is Jan. 28.