Man on probation in $2M Lego-focused theft faces new case after vacation near shopping centers
On probation in Florida for stealing some $2 million worth of toy Lego sets and other merchandise, Ignatius Pollara told his probation officer that he planned to travel to Illinois to visit family.
But the officer was suspicious, because Pollara has no family in Illinois. He alerted Illinois authorities, who investigated and brought new retail-theft charges against Pollara. A DuPage County prosecutor said at a Monday hearing that the defendant spent four nights at four Illinois hotels near shopping centers, reports the Chicago Tribune (reg. req.).
In addition to pleading not guilty, Pollara questioned the evidence against him Monday until the presiding judge threatened to hold him in contempt.
“We’ve got a lot of work to do,” the 49-year-old told his court-appointed lawyer at one point.
An earlier Chicago Tribune story provides additional details.
