Two Palos Heights residents, both banking through Old National Bank, recently became victims of aggravated identity theft.
The case, which extended across multiple states, required collaboration between the Palos Heights Police Department and investigators in Minneapolis.
“Both victims reported to the department about 10 days apart, on Sept. 9 and Sept. 18, 2024,” said Sgt. John Parnitzke.
Investigators quickly identified the suspect as Jason Siegert, 55, from Chicago Heights.
“The suspect targeted the first resident by withdrawing $15,000 from branches in Oswego and Aurora, with an attempted withdrawal in Frankfort,” Parnitzke said.
Siegert, charged with aggravated identity theft, appeared in court on Oct. 17 and was released.
Parnitzke said the crime qualifies as aggravated identity theft because the victims are over the age of 60, and the total loss exceeds $10,000 but was under $100,000.
“These factors raise the felony to a Class 1 offense,” he said.
Investigators said that Siegert made over $45,000 in withdrawals from Old National Bank branches in Buffalo Grove, Oswego, and Aurora, with further attempted withdrawals in Frankfort and Schaumburg.
Police said evidence showed that Siegert committed similar crimes in Minneapolis, where he stole $15,000 in two transactions in August 2024. Additional acts of identity theft were traced back to Niles and Glenview in In March 2024.
A key detail that helped investigators was Siegert’s repeated use of a distinctive flannel shirt during the crimes. Bank surveillance footage from Old National Bank matched an Illinois driver’s license photo, confirming his identity.
“Body-worn camera footage from other agencies further corroborated the identification, with tattoos visible in both sets of footage,” Parnitzke said.
Phone records placed Siegert at the locations of each theft. Investigators contacted him, and Siegert agreed to meet with Palos Heights police on Oct. 15. During the interview, Siegert allegedly provided post-Miranda statements admitting his crimes.
“We’ve shared our findings with other agencies that have open investigations,” Parnitzke said.
In light of these events, Parnitzke urged citizens to take precautions to protect themselves. “The fewer times you mail checks, the better,” he advised. “Most banking institutions offer electronic options, which are more secure and less vulnerable to forgery.”