A retail theft incident at Macy’s in Oak Brook Center Monday Nov. 27 evening included a rare twist in that two adults charged with burglary and retail theft used children to help them.

Angelo Almaraz, 26, of the 2300 block of South Homan Avenue, Chicago, and his domestic partner, Thalia Morales, 32, of the 4300 block of Clark Avenue, Hammond, Indiana, were charged after reportedly stealing merchandise priced at more than $950. They have a scheduled Dec. 26 court date for arraignment.

Reports from Oak Brook police and the office of DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin stated that Almaraz and Morales entered Macy’s about 5:45 p.m. Nov. 27 with four children, three of whom belong to Almaraz and Morales and one to Morales, ranging in ages from infant to 13.

The group reportedly went to the children’s section, and the two eldest children began selecting items and handing them to Almaraz and Morales, who then placed the items in Nordstrom Rack bags they brought with them. They also used a device to disarm and disable the security device on the in-store merchandise, said Oak Brook Deputy Chief Reid Foltyniewicz.

When the group neared an exit, a loss prevention officer approached them, at which time they ran to their car with the merchandise still in the bag and fled the scene, according to the report.

An Oak Brook Police officer responded to the area and pulled over the vehicle as it was attempting to turn on to Route 83. The bag with the stolen merchandise reportedly was inside the vehicle and the defendants were taken into custody at that time.

“It is heartbreaking to have adults force young children into criminal activity,” Foltyniewicz said. “It’s disgusting behavior, and we shouldn’t be OK with this.” Foltyniewicz said it is rare, at least in Oak Brook, for children to be used in incidents of retail theft.

“The allegations that two grown adults enlisted the help of children as they stole nearly one thousand dollars’ worth of merchandise are extremely disturbing,” Berlin said in a statement. “I caution anyone who is even thinking about coming to DuPage County to steal that if you do, you will be caught, charged and prosecuted.”

Due to the children being involved, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services was notified.

As this is an ongoing investigation, additional charges may be forthcoming, Berlin’s office said.