A man from Chicago is facing charges after police found $1 million worth of stolen shoes in a warehouse on the West Side of the city.
Erick Lujano Bautista, 26, was arrested last Friday. He is charged with felony theft, according to the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, which announced the arrest on Tuesday.
The investigation began last month when authorities discovered a large number of stolen Nike shoes being stored in a warehouse located on the 1500 block of South Western Avenue. As they dug deeper into the situation, they learned that Lujano Bautista was renting out the warehouse space. He was using it to keep the stolen shoes, which were found to be worth over $1 million.
When the police searched the warehouse last Friday, they discovered a huge collection of shoes, including both Nike and New Balance brands. These shoes were confirmed to be stolen, and authorities later determined that Lujano Bautista was not authorized to sell shoes from these popular brands.
Following his arrest, Lujano Bautista appeared at a detention hearing on Sunday, where the judge decided to release him. Despite being free on bail, Lujano Bautista is still facing serious charges and is scheduled to appear in court this coming Friday.
This case is an example of how valuable items like shoes can be stolen and hidden for resale. The authorities are continuing their investigation, and this arrest highlights the importance of tracking stolen goods and stopping illegal sales.
Lujano Bautista’s actions have led to significant legal trouble, and if convicted, he could face severe penalties for his involvement in the theft and illegal distribution of these branded shoes. The authorities are working hard to make sure stolen property is returned to its rightful owners, and this case is a reminder of how organized crime can sometimes operate under the radar in ordinary commercial spaces.
The story is still developing, and the upcoming court hearing will determine what happens next in the case of Erick Lujano Bautista.
