Daniel Reginald Stephens, 50, of Sauk Village, Illinois, is facing multiple charges in Lake County after police say he was identified as the suspect in two separate copper wire theft incidents at Menards in Schererville.
According to court documents, officers responded on September 24, 2025, to Menards, 1300 U.S. 41, for a report of a theft that had just occurred. Loss prevention told police he observed a male “quickly walking to his car carrying two rolls of copper wire,” then appearing nervous and “quickly threw the rolls of copper wire in his vehicle” before leaving the lot. Surveillance later confirmed the suspect did not pay for the items, which totaled $598 before tax.
Police said the suspect vehicle, a silver Dodge Journey, was traced through a license plate. An officer recognized Stephens from prior cases, and a photo lineup was later conducted. Loss prevention identified Stephens as the suspect in the lineup as the individual seen placing the stolen copper wire into the vehicle, according to the affidavit.
Further review of surveillance video revealed a second incident on September 16, 2025, in which Stephens allegedly stole two additional rolls of copper wire valued at $558. The total reported loss between the two incidents was $1,156.
Court documents state Stephens had previously been trespassed from the same Menards location on October 10, 2019, and also has a prior theft conviction out of Cook County.
Lodged in the Lake County Jail on May 5,2026.
Charges filed September 26,2025:
Theft (Level 6 Felony) – Prior conviction for theft or conversion
Theft (Level 6 Felony) – Value between $750 and $50,000
Criminal Trespass (Misdemeanor)
Theft (Misdemeanor)
