Worker accused of stealing electronics from EPA

The Cook County Sheriff’s Office says a temporary worker has been charged with stealing electronic devices from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Chicago office.

Authorities say 35-year-old Alan Baker of Chicago is charged with stealing a laptop computer and two smartphones while he was performing janitorial work in December at the EPA’s downtown offices.

They say evidence showed Baker had contacted the laptop’s manufacturer’s help line.

The computer and phones reportedly were found in Baker’s home this week while he was being interviewed by sheriff’s police and federal investigators. He was charged on Monday with one count of stealing government property, a Class 2 felony.

The sheriff’s office announced the charge on Thursday.