THIRD LAKE, Ill. (WBBM Newsradio) – A Lake County man has been charged with felony retail theft after authorities say he stole thousands of dollars’ worth of collectible sports cards during the grand opening of a new card shop near Grayslake.
Prosecutors said 41-year-old Stephen G. Peregrin of Grayslake took multiple high-value items Friday afternoon from State Line Sports Cards, located along Route 45 in Third Lake. The store was hosting a grand opening event that included a free autograph signing with Chicago Bears legend Dan Hampton.
According to authorities, Peregrin first entered the store shortly before the event began and left with a rare sports card valued at about $4,000. Investigators said he later returned to the shop and stole an additional card and a hobby box valued at several hundred dollars before leaving again.
Store owners reported the theft to the Lake County Sheriff's Office and later released surveillance images on social media. Officials said the public posts helped identify Peregrin as the suspect.
The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office said Peregrin later contacted the store, returned the stolen items, valued at more than $4,300, and made a full admission to investigators. He was taken into custody and charged with one count of felony retail theft. Prosecutors also said Peregrin had a separate warrant out of Kane County.
Peregrin appeared in court Saturday morning and was released under pretrial conditions. A judge ordered him to have no contact with the store or its owners and to refrain from alcohol and drug use while the case is pending.
Peregrin is scheduled to return to court Jan. 28 for a status hearing.