Crime & Safety

Lombard Man Accused Of Targeting Over 30 Victims In Identity Theft Scams

Mark Wrendina, 56, who was arrested Sept. 25, following a "multi-year investigation," was also charged with child pornography, police say.

Mark Wrendina, 56, was charged with 16 felony counts, including identity theft, forgery and child pornography.
Mark Wrendina, 56, was charged with 16 felony counts, including identity theft, forgery and child pornography. (via City of Wheaton)

WHEATON, IL — A Lombard man was arrested in connection with a string of more than 30 identity theft incidents that took place between August of 2022 and September of 2025 in Wheaton. Mark Wrendina, 56, was indicted on 16 felony counts, including identity theft, financial crimes enterprise, forgery, financial institution fraud and child pornography.

Wrendina was granted pretrial release after his arrest on Thursday.

Police began investigating Wrendina in August 2022. The investigation involved "search warrants and subpoenas executed at the suspect’s residence and various financial institutions," according to an update from the City of Wheaton.

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A warrant was issued for Wrendina's arrest on Sept. 23 after his indictment. He was arrested Sept. 25.

“The Wheaton Police Department is committed to protecting our community and holding those who exploit others for personal gain accountable for their actions,” Wheaton Police Chief Princeton J. Youker said in a statement.

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Chief Youker added, “I would like to thank State’s Attorney Robert Berlin’s office for their assistance throughout the investigation and our detectives for their diligent efforts in this extensive financial crime investigation.”

Wrendina is set to appear in court on Oct. 20.

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