Marek Mroczka, 31, allegedly ripped an elderly woman's Virgin Mary necklace from her neck in a Northwest Side Walgreens. View Full Caption Chicago Police Department

COOK COUNTY CRIMINAL COURTHOUSE — A 79-year-old woman had her gold Virgin Mary necklace ripped off her neck in a Northwest Side Walgreens by a man who later admitted he sold it, prosecutors alleged in court Thursday.

Marek Mroczka, 31, saw the woman walk into the Walgreens in the 5600 block of West Belmont and pounced Saturday, prosecutors said.

He snatched the Virgin Mary medallion from around the woman's neck and ran off, authorities said.

The pharmacy's surveillance cameras captured the theft. Mroczka was found and arrested Tuesday.

Mroczka allegedly told police that he had stolen the necklace and then sold it "to a Polish guy on Central" Avenue, prosecutors said.

Mroczka, of the 7000 block of West Melrose Street, appeared in court Thursday, charged with robbery. He was ordered held on $100,000 bond.

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