Family charged in theft of store merchandise

STAFF REPORT

NILES — Police charged a man and three of his family members with receiving stolen property.

Michael Chuppa, 37, of 545 Elm Court, was arrested on a warrant Monday in the theft of merchandise from the back of a semi truck he drove for JB Hunt Trucking.

His wife, Rebecca Chuppa, 38, also of Elm Court; and his parents, Salvatore and Anna Chuppa, 73 and 71, both of 533 West Park; were also arrested on a warrant charging that they received more than $17,000 in stolen property.

Police Chief Bruce Simeone said JB Hunt Trucking notified police of the theft ring after an investigation by the company. Simeone said they were notified that the Chuppas held a yard sale with the items that were meant to be delivered to Joann Fabrics stores in the area. Product identification numbers on sewing machines, fabrics and seasonal items matched those missing from the stores’ inventories.

Simeone is asking that anyone who purchased the stolen property at a yard sale to return the items to the store for a refund.

He said the Chuppas have been released on bail.

The department is still presenting additional information to the prosecutor, Simeone said.