Overview

• Almahdi Qasem, 20, is charged with theft over $100,000 but less than $500,000 in a case tied to Chicago-area freight thefts.
• Search warrants executed July 16 at a Palos Heights home and a Bridgeview storage unit recovered roughly $250,000 in merchandise, and investigators also seized vehicles, bank accounts, and cash.
• Recovered items included about 100 pairs of Sitka hunting boots valued at $40,000 and goods from Macy’s, Nordstrom, Bissell, Skytech Gaming, and other retailers.
• Detectives say Facebook Marketplace and eBay listings traced to a Palos Heights return address, and undercover purchases confirmed the items were stolen from freight trains.
• Qasem turned himself in on Friday, was cited and released pending a Bridgeview Courthouse appearance, and police say additional charges are expected.