Chicago

‘Toys ‘R' Us Kid' Serial Shoplifter Found Guilty in Illinois

A serial shoplifter from Florida known as the "Toys 'R' Us Kid" and the "Lego Bandit" has been found guilty of stealing art supplies in northeast Illinois.

Ignatius Pollara, 51, was convicted Monday on burglary and retail theft charges in DuPage County, the Daily Herald reported. Police said he was arrested on July 3, 2015 after stealing about $80 in art supplies from a Hobby Lobby in Lombard.

Pollara was convicted in 2012 in Florida, where authorities allege he stole more than $2 million in Lego sets and Toys "R'' Us toys.

More than 10 police officers followed Pollara after they were tipped off on July 1 that he would be flying into Chicago from Florida the next day, Downers Grove police Sgt. Jeremy Thayer testified. Police obtained a search warrant for his rental car and found receipts for several small purchases, as well as items that appeared to be stolen.

The Tamarac, Florida, resident has been held on $125,000 bond since his arrest in Illinois.

Pollara declined to testify at a hearing Friday. He has been citied three times during the case for criminal contempt of court, often for profane courtroom outbursts.

His sentencing is scheduled for April 24.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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