URBANA, Illinois – University of Illinois Police this week arrested a man believed to be involved in two residential burglaries just off campus and a theft on campus.

James A. Algee, 56, no address provided, was arrested Monday following investigations into those three cases that occurred in October. Thorough investigation, including security camera video and detailed information from witnesses and victims, played a role in his identification and subsequent arrest:

A residential burglary was reported Oct. 1 at 605 S. Fifth St., Champaign. A U. of I. student reported that someone entered his unlocked apartment overnight and took his wallet and a backpack. The student later received a notification that his credit card had been used at Circle K, 507 W. University Ave., Urbana. Information collected from the convenience store ultimately led investigators to Algee.
A residential burglary was reported Oct. 21 at 411 E. Healey St., Champaign. A U. of I. student reported that someone entered his unlocked apartment overnight and took his wallet. He later received a notification that his credit card had been used at Circle K, 609 E. University Ave., Champaign. Information collected from the convenience store ultimately led investigators to Algee.
On Oct. 29, a U. of I. student reported that he was approached at the Illini Union, 1401 W. Green St., Urbana, by a man asking for $60 cash. The man said he needed the cash to buy gas, but would use CashApp to pay him back. The student gave the man cash, and he left. When the student attempted to transfer the $60 in CashApp funds to his bank account, the transaction was denied. Officers identified Algee based on a physical description provided by the student.

On Nov. 6, a U. of I. Police officer familiar with all three cases saw Algee walking in the 1100 block of West University Avenue, Urbana. During an interview with police, he said that he used stolen credit cards at the Circle K stores and that he was involved in the incident at the Illini Union. He was arrested for possession of stolen credit cards, wire fraud and theft.

Please note, those arrested are presumed innocent until proved guilty, and formal charges may change as cases are adjudicated.