Bourbonnais woman returns to the scene of the crime

A woman caught on surveillance camera stealing batteries from the hardware store returned to the scene of the crime to take a few more.
On the afternoon of Aug. 19, the staff of Whitmore Ace Hardware reached out to Coal City Police to report the theft of nearly $500 in rechargeable lithium batteries, the suspect caught on camera placing them in her handbag.
Surveillance images of the woman checking out some of the smaller items she placed in her cart were shared with the police department who in turn posted them on their social media page and it got results.
Sgt. Jason Clark, the department’s investigator, said he received an anonymous tip identifying the woman in the photos as Jennifer L. McGee, age 41, of Bourbonnais.
Attempts were made to located McGee then she returned to the scene of the crime just about one month later.
On the afternoon of Sept. 13, police were called to the hardware store because McGee was there. Clark and patrol officer Kevin Jones responded and approached her as she shopped.
McGee denied having taken anything, but surveillance video showed she had placed two of the costly batteries in her handbag. Through questioning she handed over the two batteries that were in her bag.
Clark then informed McGee she was under arrest for the prior theft and she was transported to the police station for processing.
At the station it was discovered she was in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia resulting in additional charges.
McGee was transported to the Grundy County Jail.
During an appearance in Grundy County Circuit Court bond was set at $25,000 and she was appointed a public defender. McGee is due back before a judge on Sept. 23.
In the course of the arrest, police searched McGee’s vehicle and discovered several new or unopened tools and batteries to which there were no receipts. Clark reports this is a matter that remains under investigation.