Naperville Woman Charged with Felony After Attempted Puppy Theft

A Naperville woman who officials say attempted to hide a puggle dog under her coat as she left the Happiness Is Pets store has been charged with felony retail theft.

The DuPage County State’s Attorney Office said Susan Sullivan, 50, of the first block of Testa Drive, is accused of trying to steal the 9-week-old poodle-pug mixed-breed dog Monday night from the store at 1592 E. Ogden Ave.

Sullivan placed the dog under her coat and tried to leave the store when employees stopped her and called the Naperville Police Department, DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin said in a news release. 

Judge Elizabeth Sexton set bond Tuesday morning at $20,000 with 10 percent to apply in the theft, according to the State’s Attorney's Office. Sullivan faces one count of retail theft in excess of $300, a Class 3 felony. Her next court date is set for March 5 in front of Judge Robert Kleeman.

“According to industry experts, retail theft cost United States retailers more than $7 billion in 2010,” Berlin said in the news release. “Many businesses victimized by retail theft are mom-and-pop stores trying to keep afloat in these uncertain economic times. If proven guilty, Ms. Sullivan will be held responsible for her alleged attempt to help herself to whatever she wanted and walk out the door.”