Shoplifting complaint leaders to drug, weapons charges in Palatine

A shoplifting report Saturday in Palatine led to the arrest of a north suburban man on drug and weapons charges, authorities said.

Jesterbenson C. Oliva, 36, of the 8500 block of Fernald Avenue in Morton Grove, faces charges of unlawful possession of a controlled substance, unlawful use of a weapon and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia stemming from the arrest, according to Palatine police.

Officers were called to a business in the 1500 block of North Rand Road about 9 p.m. Saturday on a report of a retail theft in progress, police said. When they arrived, officers found Oliva and Tracey L. Alcoser getting into a vehicle in the parking lot, along with proceeds of the theft in the car, according to police.

Police said officers also spotted a loaded firearm magazine in the front passenger-side compartment of the vehicle, leading Oliva to state that he had a 9-millimeter pistol in the car's glove compartment. Oliva has a valid Firearm Owner's Identification card, but not a valid concealed carry license, police said.

A further search of the vehicle turned up two bags containing a substance that later tested positive for methamphetamine, several items of drug paraphernalia and a pellet gun pistol that was painted black. Oliva admitted to ownership of all the items, according to police.

Oliva appeared in Cook County bond court Monday, when a judge assigned him a $10,000 recognizance bond. He's due back in court Nov. 16.

Alcoser, 29, of the 3800 block of West 156th Street in Markham, is charged with misdemeanor retail theft. She is free on bond.