Suspect nabbed in thefts from senior citizens
By BRIAN STANLEY bstanley@stmedianetwork.com August 15, 2012 4:44PM
Updated: September 17, 2012 1:02PM
JOLIET — Police have arrested a man who allegedly victimized senior citizens to support his drug habit.
John D. Eigenheer, 41, of 1218 N. Williams St. was booked into the county jail Tuesday on charges of robbery, theft, identity theft, unlawful use of a credit card, and aggravated identity theft resulting from investigations in Joliet and Crest Hill.
“We’ve had a series of crimes where this ‘predator’ targeted and victimized elderly citizens,” Joliet Chief Mike Trafton said.
Crest Hill Deputy Chief Ed Clark said Eigenheer was visiting a couple in their 70s in April and “(continually) asking them for money” before he left. After receiving calls from their bank, the couple realized a credit card had been stolen.
Surveillance video was used to identify Eigenheer and a warrant was issued for his arrest Aug. 9.
On July 17, a 71-year-old woman was knocked to the ground outside her home in the 800 block of Moran Street, while a man stole her wallet and took $100.
On July 29, a man was going door to door asking for money when he took a purse from the porch of house belonging to a 72-year-old man and 73-year-old woman. Credit cards and $800 were taken.
“Sgt. Linda Odom interviewed local residents and identified Eigenheer as a potential suspect, but there was no probable cause to arrest him,” Trafton said. “But Detective Paul Rodriguez was able to use (her information to identify) Eigenheer in a photo lineup from the previous attack.”
Sgt. Julie Larson was also aware of the case when she found Eigenheer on Tuesday and contacted Rodriguez after making an arrest on the Crest Hill warrant.
“During an interview, Eigenheer admitted he stole the money to support his drug habit and used the credit cards to buy gas in Joliet so he could drive around smoking crack,” Trafton said.
Trafton said detectives are looking into other recent robberies and thefts where Eigenheer is a suspect.
