Marva Karikari

Michelle Johnson

Ricky Anderson

Bond was set on Thursday for three people who were allegedly involved in a pick-pocket scam that began in mid-January in the Deer Park Town Center, according to Lake County Sheriff’s officials.

Michelle L. Johnson, 26, of Chicago, Marva D. Karikari, 40, of Darien, Rickey Anderson, 45, of Chicago, were each charged with one count of unlawful use of a credit card, a class three felony.

The three allegedly stole wallets from purses that were strung over chairs last month at Deer Park Town Center restaurants, Panera Bread Company, and Noodles and Company. According to a Lake County Sheriff’s Office press release, the suspects hung over their seats while they ate and surreptitiously went into the purses.

The incidents were caught on video recorded at the restaurants on Jan. 15 and Jan. 19. Soon after, Riverwoods police arrested Johnson, Karikari and Anderson in relation to similar charges in the Riverwoods area. The trio was identified as the same one caught in the Deer Park video, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s office.

Johnson, Karikari and Anderson used the credit cards they allegedly stole to buy Target gift cards at the Palatine Target, 679 E. Dundee Road in Palatine.

Lake County Judge Raymond Collins set bond on Thursday at $50,000 for Anderson, and $25,000 for both Johnson and Karikari.

Lake County detectives are working with other Chicago area police and individuals who believe they might have been victims of the scam to determine if the trio is responsible for any further crimes.

Contact Detective David Tomasello at 847-377 4250 with information or questions.