From staff reports
A Hazel Crest man was charged last week with aggravated identity theft stemming from an incident that happened on December 27.
Palos Heights police took a report on December 27 from a patient at Northwestern Palos Hospital who reported their wallet was missing and then observed two unauthorized charges on her debit card. The charges were at a Palos Hills gas station and a Walmart in Glenwood.
Video and receipts were obtained from these transactions and a vehicle license plate was captured.
After working with Northwestern Palos Hospital Public Security, it was learned the suspect was a former employee that was recently fired.
David Smith, 30, was arrested January 20 and provided a confession to the crimes, police said.
The case was presented to the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Felony Review Office, and due to the victim’s age and the crime, a felony count of Aggravated Identity Theft was approved.
Smith went for a bond hearing at the Bridgeview Courthouse. He posted bond and was released.
I was in Palos Northwestern Hospital JUNE 28 released June 30, 2020! Had my purse with me w my Insurance card and my Visa & debt card..
July 1, 2020 my both cards were used in London England.. over $5,000!! I called immediately my Visa and my bank w my debt card to stop and Fraud.. I notified Cook County state detectives they came to my home.. The problem was the detectives did not believe me it happened in Palos Hospital.. I told them I was sick at home week before and before that I did not use my cards at all…. They said they will check it & get to me..HEARD NOTHING.. Cook County detectives DID NOT BELIEVE ME.. received my money back.. BUT THE PERSON STEALING INFORMATION FROM OTHER PATIENTS!!
Cook County detectives didn’t do their job..