Shop Owner and Worker Charged With Almost $2.5 Million in Robbery Scheme

Nearly $2.5M in suspected stolen merchandise recovered in Cook County Sheriff's bust of theft operation

Nearly $2.5M in suspected stolen merchandise recovered in Cook County Sheriff's bust of theft operation | WGN News

Last week, authorities in Illinois seized around $2.4 million in pilfered sneakers, goods, and firearms, as reported by Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart, from WGN TV.

Among the loot were luxury handbags, scents, and more, such as the yet-to-be-released Air Jordan 4 “Paris Olympics” and multiple pairs from the exclusive Louis Vuitton x Nike Air Force 1 collaboration.

Two individuals, Flee Club proprietor Darris Kelly and staff member Jerry Walker, have now been formally accused.

In October 2023, burglars targeted Flee Club, a reselling establishment based in Chicago, by crashing an SUV into the store and nabbing $100K worth of merchandise.

Currently, Flee Club co-owner Kelly and staff member Walker are facing charges of grand theft. Walker has also been implicated in a firearm offense.

Authorities revealed that store employees acquired stolen goods and subsequently resold them to patrons. It is suspected that some of the stolen items were sourced directly from retail outlets in the Chicagoland area. Moreover, Dart indicated that certain items might have been heisted from trains.

According to reports, Flee Club has gained a reputation as a prominent hub for fencing stolen wares.

“This was, as they say, an undercover operation where we were sending people in to sell things that we told them was stolen,” Dart said. “We would then go back in with a different undercover officer and buy the stolen stuff we had just sold them.”

“We were recovering the stuff that everyone knew was stolen. We were getting tips from the people that operated (the theft operation) — the two people charged — on what they wanted us to steal, and they directed us in that way, as well.”

The inquiry remains ongoing.

  1. Sneakers Top Trends

    Official Release Date for the Jordan Tatum 3 “Zen”

    jordan-tatum-3-zen-fz6598-001-release-date-3jpg

    jordan-tatum-3-zen-fz6598-001-release-date-3jpg

    The Boston Celtics’ season is unfolding just as they had envisioned, with only one loss to report and a striking 30 points per game average from their star player, Jayson Tatum.

    After a more eventful off-season than what championship teams typically endure, Tatum and his Boston teammates have skillfully tuned out distractions, staying focused on their goal of repeating their success early in the season. In line with this theme, the upcoming #0 Jordan Tatum 3 is about to launch a “Zen” colorway that embodies this same sense of tranquility.

    The motif of serenity has been a consistent element in Jayson Tatum’s sneaker line, especially highlighted by the “Vortex” version of the Tatum 2, which explicitly connects to this theme: our previous coverage noted that the design reflects Tatum’s calm demeanor, reminiscent of the peacefulness found in a vortex above water.

    While this new model opts for a more subdued color palette, its execution remains true to that original concept; the graceful cut-outs in the upper design resemble calm waters, serving as a guiding inspiration throughout Tatum’s signature collection.

    As mentioned earlier, the Jordan Tatum 3 “Zen” is set to launch on November 14th via Nike.com, available in sizes for the whole family. The adult versions will be priced at $125.

    For a closer look at this appealing colorway, check out the official images below, and make sure to keep an eye on our Sneakers page for updates.


    Jordan Tatum 3 “Zen”

    SKU: FZ6598-001

    RETAIL PRICE: $125

    RELEASE DATE: Nov 14, 2024

    Jordan Tatum 3 “Zen” (Images via: Nike)

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    Jason Kelce’s Field Goal Attempt In Timberlands Will End In A $100,000 Donation

    This Saturday, November 2nd, Jason Kelce will take on a field goal challenge while wearing Wheat Timbs during the ESPN College GameDay broadcast of the highly anticipated Penn State vs. Ohio State matchup. The idea for this challenge originated when college student Daniel Villasenor successfully kicked a field goal in Vans checkerboard slip-ons, winning an impressive $100,000 earlier in October.

    Initially discussed on the Kelce brothers’ New Heights podcast with special guest Pat McAfee, this lighthearted challenge quickly evolved into a real event. The NFL legend, Jason Kelce, is set to attempt scoring three points while donning the famous Wheat Timberlands.

    In an exciting twist, VF Corp — the parent company of both Vans and Timberland — has stepped in with a generous $100,000 commitment to the charity Soles4Souls, aimed at supporting hurricane relief efforts. Fortunately for Jason, VF Corp has assured that the funds will be donated regardless of whether his kick is successful or not.

    Make sure to tune in to ESPN College GameDay on November 2nd, 2024, to witness this unique field goal attempt for yourself!

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  3. Sneakers Top Trends

    Notre and Vans Collaborate For the Rowley XLT “Linen”

    NOTRE-NOV-15-1200x675jpg

    NOTRE-NOV-15-1200x675jpg

    The highly anticipated Notre x Vans Rowley XLT “Linen” is set to drop on November 15, 2024, exclusively at Notre and its flagship location.

    Be sure to check HQZ’s Sneakers page to stay updated on the latest happenings and drops in the sneaker world.


    Notre x Vans Rowley XLT “Linen”

    Colorway: Linen/Silver
    Style #: VN000D1GDPB1
    Release Date: November 15, 2024
    Price: $165

    Notre x Vans Rowley XLT “Linen”

    Notre x Vans Rowley XLT “Linen” VN000D1GDPB1 (Images via: @oscar_castillo/Instagram)

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