ALTON — Prosecutors in Madison County have filed a felony theft charge against a Chicago man after Alton police investigated what they described as a theft by deception that took nearly $64,000 from a local business earlier this year.
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The Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office, led by State’s Attorney Tom Haine, on Thursday, May 7, 2026, charged Anthony J. Arias Tria, a 23-year-old man from Chicago, with theft, a Class 2 felony, for an amount exceeding $10,000 but less than $100,000, the Alton Police Department said. Alton Police also said Arias Tria is not currently in custody.
The investigation began Jan. 3, 2026, after officers responded to Terrace Cannabis Dispensary at 1400 E. Broadway in Alton for a report of a theft by deception, police said. Investigators determined the suspect used deceptive tactics to fraudulently obtain more than $60,000 from the business before fleeing the area.
Police said the case involved extensive investigative work, including digital evidence review, surveillance analysis, interviews, and investigative travel outside the region. Investigators also used the city’s camera and license plate reader network, police said.
Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford commended investigators for their work.
“This investigation required a significant amount of time, coordination, and persistence from our team,” Chief Ford said. “Their hard work, along with the assistance of our partner agencies and the use of investigative technology, helped move this case forward and secure charges.”
The Alton Police Department thanked the Evergreen Park Police Department, Illinois State Police Statewide Terrorism & Intelligence Center, the FBI Chicago Field Office, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office, and other assisting agencies for their cooperation and assistance.
Police also urged businesses and residents to slow down and verify requests involving money transfers, cash pickups, gift cards, or urgent financial demands, saying scammers often create a false sense of urgency to pressure victims into acting quickly without verification.
Anyone with information about Arias Tria’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Alton Police Department at 618-463-3505.
All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
