Person of interest sought in Cook County State's Attorney's Office theft

CHICAGO - Authorities are looking for a person of interest who allegedly stole computers from the Cook County State's Attorney's Office earlier this week.

The mysterious break-in unfolded at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse near 26th and California on Monday evening, according to the Cook County Sheriff's Office.

Sheriff’s Police were contacted on Tuesday, when staff members with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office realized "several computers were missing" from their administrative offices.

In a statement, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office confirmed "there was a break in, and items were taken from some offices."

"I’ve never seen anything like this, these buildings are known to be secure – not just cameras, but sheriffs are usually all over the place," said Karen Conti, trial attorney in Chicago.

Security footage released on Wednesday by the Cook County Sheriff’s Office shows a person of interest strolling through the court building’s lobby – seemingly in no hurry. He is captured on video wheeling a utility cart, whose top shelf is covered with a blue blanket.

Looking for an exit, he attempts to leave through the revolving door but has no luck – as it was already locked for the evening. Then he tries a second door, which is out of frame, and soon returns into view to exit through a third and final door.

"This guy is either brazen, or he’s got some mental health issues in thinking that he’s going to get away with this," said Conti.

It's unclear how many computers were taken, but Conti says those laptops likely hold confidential information.  

"All communications in a case are deemed to be attorney-client privilege. It could be among and between the State’s Attorney’s Office, it could be confidential memos about the cases, it could be a number of things," said Conti. "And so, if someone knew how to open these files – and we don’t know if that’s the case yet, maybe they’re password protected – this could be very damaging to the cases in the State’s Attorney’s Office."

Conti also shared that if caught and convicted, the thief will likely face several years in prison.

The investigation is ongoing.