College Student Stole Textbooks, Sold Them Back To Bookstore

JOLIET, Ill. (STMW) - Police say a west suburban college student has taught them something new about criminal charges.

Joliet Junior College Police Chief Pete Comanda said David G. Oraha, 22, was arrested Wednesday night after going into two vehicles parked on campus.

"He was taking textbooks from the cars and selling them back to the bookstore for cash," Comanda said.

Besides being charged with burglary, Oraha, of 2510 John Bourg Drive in Plainfield, faces an additional felony count.

If someone "fences" stolen items — engages in a financial transaction where the proceeds are the result of criminal activity — they can be charged with money laundering.

"We were not aware this fell under that statute until officers presented the case to the state's attorney's office," Comanda said.

Comanda said police are investigating several other campus parking lot burglaries over the last few months that may be related.

(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2010. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)