Flee Club Owner and Employee Charged in $2.5 Million Theft
Published
Chicago-based resell store Flee Club is embroiled in a significant legal battle after Cook County Sheriffs's raid uncovered $2.5 million of stolen goods. This high-profile case has put the spotlight back on the store, which previously made headlines last year when an SUV crashed into its storefront, resulting in a robbery of $100,000 worth of merchandise.
CBS News Chicago first reported the recent confiscation of stolen items. On July 2, officers executed a search warrant at Flee Club, recovering high-end clothing, accessories, sneakers, and more. The items seized were Louis Vuitton bags, Nike sneakers, and even unreleased Air Jordans, including the highly anticipated Air Jordan 4 Retro SE Paris.
Sheriff Tom Dart elaborated on the sting operation, revealing the tactics used by his team. "We were sending people in to sell, and we were telling them it was stolen," Dart said. "We would then go back in with a different undercover officer and buy the stolen stuff we had just sold them. So, we were recovering the stuff. Everyone knew it was stolen." This meticulous approach allowed investigators to gather concrete evidence against the store.
The investigation has also revealed the alleged involvement of store employees in orchestrating the thefts. According to investigators, employees accepted stolen goods and instructed thieves with specific requests for items they wanted to resell. This claim, if proven, could point to a deeply embedded culture of criminal activity within the store.
As the investigation continues, the owner, Darris Kelly, and an employee, Jerry Walker, face serious charges. Kelly is charged with a felony count of theft, while Walker faces additional charges, including a felony count of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon. Both are due back in court on July 26.
The case against Flee Club underscores the complexities and challenges of tackling organized retail crime, particularly in the booming sneaker and streetwear resell market. Back in February of this year, the LAPD discovered millions of dollars worth of stolen Nike sneakers that had been stolen since June 2023 by rerouting shipments from Memphis, Tennessee, to LA. Before this, the LAPD also recovered $5 million of Nike products.
The implications for Flee Club and its business operations remain uncertain as the legal proceedings unfold. Still, the message from law enforcement is clear: the illegal reselling of stolen goods will not be tolerated. For more of the latest happenings in the sneaker and streetwear world and to be up-to-date on the newest releases, download the Sole Retriever mobile app.
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. Concerts, music, trying new restaurants, and catching the latest movies are some of the things I enjoy when not writing for Sole Retriever. Email: nick@soleretriever.com
