A Chicago man has been charged with multiple felonies for allegedly defrauding T.J. Maxx stores in the Chicago area through a retail theft scheme, according to Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul.
Neythyn Thompson, 46, faces eight counts of wire fraud and five counts of forgery, each classified as Class 3 felonies and carrying potential sentences of up to five years in prison per count. He is also charged with one count of money laundering and one count of theft, both Class 2 felonies punishable by up to seven years in prison each, as well as one count of use of a credit or debit card with intent to defraud, a Class 4 felony that could result in up to three years in prison. Sentencing will be determined by the court if there is a conviction. Thompson’s next court appearance is set for January 7, 2026.
According to the indictment from Raoul’s office, Thompson is accused of purchasing high-end merchandise from T.J. Maxx locations across Cook and DuPage counties between 2023 and 2024. He allegedly returned less expensive or counterfeit items instead of the original merchandise, keeping the genuine products and causing an estimated loss of $17,320 to T.J. Maxx.
Attorney General Raoul stated: “Individuals who engage in retail theft increase costs for all consumers while driving down business development in neighborhoods. I will continue to partner with law enforcement to hold individuals who break our laws accountable.”
The U.S. Secret Service conducted the investigation into the alleged scheme.
Assistant Attorneys General Kiran Gupta and Renee Thibault are prosecuting the case on behalf of Raoul’s Special Prosecutions Bureau.
Authorities remind the public that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
