Accused Lisle Library Thief Pleads Not Guilty

The Glen Ellyn man accused of stealing books and other items from the pleaded not guilty on Monday to five felony theft counts.

James F. Jackson, who remains in DuPage County Jail on $25,000 bail, appeared briefly before Judge John Kinsella to enter the plea. Kinsella explained to Jackson that, if convicted of any the theft charges, he could receive probation or receive at least one year in prison.

Jackson was arrested in August after a four-month investigation into the disappearance of books, DVDs and other library materials. Authorities previously said Jackson sold some of the items online, but have not publicly described everything found in Jackson's apartment.

Library officials also have said Jackson worked as an after-hours custodian with an outside company hired by the library.

A grand jury indicted Jackson of the five counts on Thursday. He is scheduled to return to court on Oct. 3.