Chicago man charged with stealing $9,000 worth of cigarettes from Elmhurst gas station

A Chicago man has pleaded not guilty to charges he stole more than 100 cartons of cigarettes from an Elmhurst gas station this month.

Elijah Jones, 63, of the 6000 block of South Prairie, is charged with three counts of retail theft, three counts of theft and one count of burglary.

Prosecutors allege Jones and an unknown accomplice went to the Thornton's gas station at 476 N. York Road at 5:50 p.m. Aug. 7. Once inside, Jones' accomplice distracted the cashier while Jones, who was wearing a surgical mask at the time, entered the stockroom and loaded 103 cartons of cigarettes into a large bag, authorities said. The cigarettes had an estimated value of $9,000.

The men fled the store immediately after the theft, authorities said, and Jones was arrested at his house the next day.

"According to a recent National Retail Federation survey, American retailers lose more than $18 billion each year to theft," DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said. "The quick apprehension of Mr. Jones demonstrates DuPage County's commitment to keeping our neighborhoods safe from those who would travel to DuPage County intent on committing crime."

The investigation continues as police attempt to identify the accomplice. Anyone with information should call the Elmhurst Police Department at (630) 530-3050.

Jones' next court date is scheduled for Sept. 19 in courtroom 4014.