A Chicago man who committed 12 shoplifting incidents after being released under Illinois’ SAFE-T Act has been sentenced to nine years in prison. James Tolbert, 44, was convicted on multiple charges, including operating a financial crime enterprise and aggravated battery, stemming from a string of thefts at luxury stores and beauty retailers in downtown Chicago.
From Release to Rampage
Tolbert was initially charged with felony shoplifting in July 2023 after stealing merchandise from an Ulta Beauty store on Michigan Avenue. Unable to pay the $1,600 cash bail, he remained in custody until Illinois eliminated cash bail on September 18, 2023, under the SAFE-T Act.
Following his release, Tolbert was ordered to observe a nightly curfew from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. but quickly resumed shoplifting. Between October 2023 and January 2024, he repeatedly targeted stores such as Sunglass Hut, Ulta Beauty, and Macy’s, stealing thousands of dollars’ worth of merchandise.
Arrest and Escalation
Tolbert’s crime spree ended on February 8, 2024, when Cook County sheriff’s deputies apprehended him at Macy’s on North State Street. Employees reported seeing him steal six designer sunglasses valued at $2,755. During his escape attempt, Tolbert allegedly kicked a loss prevention agent in the knee, causing a serious injury that required hospitalization.
Upon his arrest, officers discovered he was carrying a switchblade with metal knuckles and a credit card belonging to another individual.
Repeat Offender
Court filings revealed that Tolbert was linked to 12 shoplifting incidents across Chicago’s Loop and Magnificent Mile:
- He targeted the Ulta Beauty store on Michigan Avenue multiple times in late 2023.
- Between January 11 and January 30, 2024, he repeatedly shoplifted from Sunglass Hut and Macy’s locations, with employees identifying him by a distinctive cross tattoo between his eyes.
Sentencing and Parole
Tolbert pleaded guilty to four of the 12 pending cases. Judge Kenneth Wadas handed him concurrent sentences of nine years for financial crime enterprise, seven years for a second financial crime enterprise case, seven years for robbery, and five years for aggravated battery causing great bodily harm. Prosecutors dropped the remaining eight cases.
State records indicate Tolbert is eligible for parole in August 2027 after serving half of his nine-year sentence.
SAFE-T Act Debate
Tolbert’s case has reignited debate over Illinois’ SAFE-T Act, which eliminated cash bail to reduce pretrial detention for nonviolent offenders. Critics argue the law enables repeat offenders, while supporters maintain it prevents unnecessary incarceration for those unable to afford bail.
Despite his lawyer’s portrayal of Tolbert as a churchgoing father of five and licensed barber, his post-release actions painted a starkly different picture, highlighting challenges in balancing reform with public safety.
Looking Ahead
With Tolbert now behind bars, attention turns to the broader implications of the SAFE-T Act and its impact on crime in Illinois. As policymakers evaluate the law’s effectiveness, cases like Tolbert’s underscore the complexities of criminal justice reform in a system striving for fairness and accountability.
