Jan. 14--One day after a Foss Park District commissioner and two employees were charged with stealing donated toys from a parks facility, North Chicago police announced that three additional people have also been arrested in connection with the alleged theft.
"This investigation has already resulted in six arrests" with felony and misdemeanor charges filed, North Chicago Police Chief James Jackson said in a news release issued late Tuesday. "This investigation is still ongoing with additional leads being followed."
On Monday, Commissioner Susan Dixon, 52, of the North Chicago-based park district, along with parks employees Tommie Kindle, 28, and Mark Dixon Jr., 28, the commissioner's son, appeared in Lake County court on charges of felony theft.
The three were charged with stealing donated toys worth at least $500 from a Park District facility shortly before Christmas, officials said.
Authorities did not release the names or charges against the other three people suspected in the theft of toys, which officials said had been dropped off by the Marine Corps and were intended for children who were signed up for a Toys for Tots program, officials said.
Park District officials have declined comment, stating only that a news release would be issued Wednesday.
In court Monday, prosecutors said the three defendants removed bags of toys from a Park District facility and were told by another employee who inquired that they were "extra" toys. A Park District official then watched surveillance video, which prosecutors said showed the three removing the toys.
Kindle's attorney said during the bond hearing Monday that Kindle was merely following Susan Dixon's instructions when he placed the toys into a car.
Officials said the value of the toys was $500 to $10,000. Complaints filed by police stated that the three removed "in excess of 100 toys" from charity bins.
The Foss Park District board has called a special closed meeting at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the district's community center, 1730 Lewis Ave., to discuss the "discipline, performance or dismissal" of employees and/or an "occupant of public office," according to the board agenda.
Commissioners will resume the meeting in open session to vote on any potential board actions.
lblack@tribpub.com
