Related Federal Cases
- Two Foreign Nationals, ID Theft Scheme, Los Angeles CA, 2023 · Illinois
- Yerfri Castillo, ID Theft Tax Scam, NY, 2023 · Illinois
- Terry L. Gantt, ID Theft and Wire Fraud, Cedar Rapids IA, 2012 · Iowa
- Denae Sullivan, Bank Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft, Anchorage… · Illinois
- Jason Oler Kettler, Credit Card Theft, Salt Lake City UT, 2023 · Idaho
Decatur Woman Sentenced for Theft of Government Property
A 70-year-old Decatur woman, Deborah G. Lake, was sentenced to 12 months of probation for her role in the theft of government property. According to the plea agreement, Lake worked as a bookkeeper for the Grundy, Livingston, and Kankakee County Workforce Board, where she created checks payable to herself for fraudulent invoices and embezzled over $33,000.
Lake, who was also known as Deborah G. Mitchell and Deborah O’Neill, was formerly of Kankakee County. The Workforce Board oversees and sets policy for workforce development and training programs for those counties. Her crimes were revealed after the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General launched an investigation into the case.
At the hearing, Senior U.S. District Court Judge Michael M. Mihm found that Lake abused a position of public trust in committing these crimes. Lake was also ordered to pay $33,302.44 in restitution to the Workforce Board, which she pleaded guilty to in November 2021.
The statutory penalties for theft of government property are up to ten years imprisonment, up to three years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elly M. Peirson represented the government in the prosecution.
Lake’s crimes are a stark reminder of the importance of accountability in public offices. As a bookkeeper, she was entrusted with handling the finances of the Workforce Board, but instead, she chose to use her position for personal gain. Her actions not only caused financial harm to the organization but also undermined the public’s trust in the government.
The case serves as a warning to others who may be tempted to abuse their power and position for personal gain. It is a reminder that justice will be served, and those who commit such crimes will be held accountable for their actions.
Key Facts
- State: Illinois
- Category: White Collar Crime|Public Corruption|Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News