More than $38,000 Lost in Alleged Ticket Scam

Theft—A Hinsdale man reported to the that a known suspect stole from him a total of $38,752 in money the complainant thought was going towards season tickets for the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks.

According to Deputy Hinsdale Police Chief Mark Wodka, the victim was one of four who were taken in by the private broker. Two of the others were from Clarendon Hills and another was from Oak Lawn. Wodka did not know if the other three victims lost the same amount.

The four complainants said they sent the broker the money between Sept. 11 and Sept. 22, but never received the tickets. Hinsdale Police were notified Oct. 12.

According to Hinsdale Police, the case is currently under investigation. Wodka said this case goes to show it's important to be cautious when purchasing tickets from any broker.

Theft of motor vehicle—A 24-year-old from Bolingbrook is suspected but has not been formally charged with motor vehicle theft after allegedly stealing a male complainant’s black 2012 Chevy Impala while it was parked and running in the parking lot of Shell gas station, 210 E. Ogden Ave., at 4:20 a.m. Oct. 14.

According to Hinsdale Police, officers located the suspect with the vehicle near the intersection of Justina Street and The Lane in Hinsdale. 

The suspect, Wodka said, is currently at Adventist Hinsdale Hospital for reasons unrelated to the offense and Hinsdale Police is waiting for his release to file any charges. 

Deceptive practice—A man is suspected of, but not yet charged with, passing three bad travelers checks in downtown Hinsdale worth a total of $250.88 between noon and 2 p.m. Oct. 3.  

In addition to a bad $50.88 check at Simple Privileges , the suspect used bad $100 checks at Art Quest Artisan Shop and Gallery and Phillips Flowers at 49 and 47 S. Washington St., respectively.

The suspect is currently in police custody in southern Indiana on separate charge that Wodka did not know the nature of.

Burglary to vehicle—A female complainant reported to Hinsdale Police that $750 in electronics was stolen from her vehicle while it was parked unlocked and unoccupied in the 700 block of Phillippa Street between 8:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. Oct. 12.

According to the report, there were no signs of forced entry. Taken was a bag containing a laptop computer and computer accessories.

Theft—Dustin D. Nava, of 9534 Henrietta Ave. in Brookfield, was arrested by Hinsdale Police for stealing the cell phone of a female complainant at 2:05 p.m. Oct. 14.

After the theft was reported, officers found Nava, 27, walking down the street in the 5500 block of South Madison Street. He was found to be in possession of the cell phone in addition to a pipe that was considered drug equipment.

Nava was charged with theft and possession of drug equipment before being released with court information.

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