A Carson Pirie Scott & Co. loss-prevention agent from Plainfield and two Joliet residents were recently charged with armed robbery in connection with a Nov. 11 holdup at the Louis Joliet Mall department store.

Jose L. Mejia, 23, of the 2900 block of Sierra Ave. in Plainfield, Norma L. Ibarra, 22, of the 2400 block of Byrum Blvd. in Joliet and Christian G. Ibarra, 18, of the same address, appeared in bond court Friday afternoon on charges of armed robbery with a firearm and aggravated unlawful restraint.

Captain Tab Jensen said Mejia, the loss-prevention agent, is accused of hatching the plan to rob the store, and then asked Norma L. Ibarra to participate. She allegedly invited her brother, he said.

Jensen said Joliet police called to the store around 10:55 p.m. Nov. 11 were told a masked gunman hid in the store until Mejia and the store manager were locking up. Mejia said he was going upstairs to set an alarm when he encountered the robber, who ordered him to open the store safe, according to police.

Mejia told police the robber took him to the manager and secured him with duct tape after he said he was unable to open the safe. The robber also secured the manager after she opened the safe.

Jensen said a tip from a confidential source prompted investigators to turn their attention to Mejia. The three suspects were brought to the Joliet police station, where they were questioned and then taken into custody.

Armed robbery with a firearm is a Class X felony carrying a sentencing range of 6 to 30 years if convicted.