Chicago, IL-(ENEWSPF)-The former bookkeeper of a south suburban plumbing supply company has been charged with stealing more than $700,000 from the company, according to the Office of Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez.
Michelle Dawson, 36, of the 8700 block of Sheffield, Dyer, Indiana, appeared in bond court today, July 17, 2013, charged with Theft exceeding $500,000 (Class 1 felony).
According to prosecutors, Dawson was employed by Graff Valve and Fittings Company in Calumet Park from 2007 to 2011 as a bookkeeper and payroll clerk. During this time, in her capacity, Dawson had access to all of the company’s computer systems, bank accounts, company checks and credit cards.
According to prosecutors, Dawson went on maternity leave in December 2010 and worked from home until January 2011. While Dawson was on maternity leave, her replacement found discrepancies in the accounting records by way of missing checks. A review of the company’s records found that Dawson had written herself unauthorized checks for services that were not performed or rendered and deposited those checks into her personal account. She then created false invoices in the amounts of those checks to conceal the thefts. Dawson also issued herself unauthorized additional payroll checks that were direct deposited into her account. Dawson also used the company credit card for personal expenses for which she did not have permission. The total theft is approximately $752,000.
Dawson turned herself in to the Calumet Park Police Department yesterday. Dawson appeared in bond court today at the Markham Courthouse before Judge Bowden who gave Dawson a $100,000 I-Bond. Dawson’s next court date is August 6 at the Markham Courthouse.
The public is reminded that criminal charging documents contain allegations that are not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the state has the burden of proving guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The complaint filed is available here.
