After several months of property crime investigation, Champaign Police arrested 43-year-old Urbana man, Kirit Patel for the offense of Felony Theft, for his involvement in the sale, resale, and possession of stolen property.
Patel, who is the business owner of Krispy Krunchy Chicken (922 W. Bradley Ave., Champaign), is accused of using the restaurant to buy stolen goods. On April 11, 2018, search warrants were executed at Patel’s residence in the 1600 Block of Bermuda Ave. in Urbana and to Krispy Krunchy Chicken, with Police locating and seizing numerous items currently valued in excess of $80,000.
Included in the seizure of property in Patel’s possession:
• (120) cellular phones with an estimated value of approximately $42,000
• (63) personal computing devices, valued at approximately $19,000
• (191) bottles of designer cologne, valued at approximately $9,500
• (2) Canon digital cameras, valued at approximately $600
• (100+) miscellaneous items, such as televisions, hoverboards, cash registers, stereo equipment and gaming systems, valued at approximately $4,000
• $6,029.95 in US Currency
Patel was arrested yesterday, without incident, at approximately 2:30 PM at Krispy Krunchy Chicken. He is currently being held at the Champaign County Correctional Center pending formal felony charges. Additional charges may occur as the investigation progresses.
Based off initial information, warrants were also executed at Blue Star Convenience Store (918 W. Bradley Ave.) and Lucky Diamond Gaming Parlor (920 W. Bradley Ave.). Although the investigation is ongoing, current evidence suggests that Patel and Krispy Krunchy Chicken are the two primary sources for the stolen property.
Police are currently working to identify the rightful owners of the seized property. While an arrest has been made, authorities will continue to investigate. Police ask that anyone with information related to Patel’s arrest, to please contact the Champaign Police Department Investigations Division at 217-351-4545, or submit anonymous tips to Champaign County Crime Stoppers at: (217) 373-8477 (TIPS); online at www.373tips.com; or the “P3 Tips” mobile app.
The Champaign Police Department would like to extend thanks to the Champaign County Street Crimes Task Force, United States Marshals Service, the Illinois Gaming Board, Illinois Department of Revenue, and the Champaign County State’s Attorney’s Office for their assistance during this investigation.