Five members of Southwest Side family charged with shoplifting in Aurora

Five members of a Southwest Side family, including two minors, have been charged with shoplifting from 16 stores at a west suburban mall last week.

Police spotted five people stealing various items from numerous stores Sept. 4 at the Chicago Premium Outlet Mall in the 1600 block of Premium Outlet Boulevard in Aurora, according to Aurora police.

The officers followed the suspects and saw them stashing the merchandise in an SUV, a statement from police said.

Members of the Community Oriented Policing Unit confronted the family and eventually recovered about $3,200 in merchandise, police said.

Maria C. Perea, 61, of the 2500 block of South Kedzie; Jonathan R. Rodriguez, 33, of the 2600 block of South Lawndale; and Ramon L. Ayala, 28, of the 2300 block of South Whipple, were arrested along with a boy and a girl, both 16, police said. All were charged with felony retail theft; and the adults were each charged with felony contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Perea, the apparent ringleader, was Rodriguez’ mother, police said. The other three suspects were also relatives, though the relationship was not disclosed.

The boy was released to a family member, while the girl was taken to the Kane County Youth Home in St. Charles, where she was being held on an outstanding domestic battery warrant, police said.

Perea was the only adult to post bail, which was set at $15,000. Rodriguez remains behind bars on a $75,000 bond, Ayala on $50,000.

They are both being housed in the Kane County Correctional Center in St. Charles and are scheduled to appear in court Sept. 17, police said.

Jonathon R. Rodriguez | Aurora police

Ramon L. Ayala | Aurora police