Bugle Staff
Submitted photo.
A Chicago man was arrested in connection to an extensive illegal fencing operation that authorities say has ties to Downers Grove.
Juan P. Balbontin was charged with felony theft and continuing financial crimes enterprise in Cook County, according to a Downers Grove Police Department news release. The department began working with the Chicago Police Department and Cook County investigators in March, after police learned that items stolen from Downers Grove cosmetics retailer Ulta were being sold to a store owned by Balbontin.
Balbontin is the owner of JB Fragrances, a Chicago perfume store that authorities targeted as part of an undercover investigation into the purchasing and selling of stolen high-end fragrance products, purses and liquor.
Police say Balbontin purchased items he knew to be stolen in order to resell them at his store. Investigators confiscated more than 1,800 bottles of perfume from the store.