Aurora entertainment panel member charged with theft

Editor’s note: An earlier version gave an incorrect last name for Alexis Benitez.

A member of Aurora’s new Music, Events and Entertainment Commission has been charged with felony fraud, accused of taking money to put on a concert that never happened.

Alexis Benitez of the 300 block of Timber Oaks Drive in North Aurora, was charged on Jan. 10 with one count of theft by deception with intent to deprive ‒ more than $10,000, according to North Aurora police.

In a sworn synopsis presented to a Kane County judge, a North Aurora investigator alleges that the victim, a DJ, contacted Benitez in April to arrange to perform at a show put on by Benitez who himself performs as “DJ Cross” and organizes shows.

Benitez offered the victim an “opportunity” to invest in a show by prominent DJ and music producer Steve Aoki, to be held at The Piazza in Aurora in November. He asked for a $16,750 payment.

Then in April, Benitez offered the victim an opportunity for another show, for $3,000.

But it turned out the contract for the Aoki show was fraudulent, according to the synopsis. Benitez “had no ability or finances to book the Aoki show,” it said, and the second show belonged to another company.

The synopsis alleges that when Benitez was informed of the investigation, he told the officer he had spent the $19,750 trying to arrange the shows. The investigator alleges that bank statements show Benitez spent the money on personal expenses, including vacations, dining out and pornography.

Benitez is one of 11 people Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin appointed in November to the new advisory committee. Irvin and city workers interviewed and recommended applicants.

It will have its first meeting on Monday.

Benitez will be allowed to stay on the commission, pending the outcome of the case, said Clayton Muhammad, a city spokesman. He also said Irvin “emphasizes the due process in legal proceedings and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.”