Crime & Safety

Accountant Embezzles From Firm, Police Say

She forged the CEO's signature, police said. In another incident, women are suspected of stealing at least $600 worth of cosmetics. An arrest is merely an accusation, not evidence of a conviction.

 

Joanne Sweis, 29, of Orland Park, was charged with Class 3 felony theft Feb. 15. Police said she was employed as an accountant for a commercial business in the 6100 block of Howard Street until January.  The business investigated and said more than $500 in checks had been paid to her, with the CEO's signature forged, according to the report, and that she used business credit cards without permission to buy more than $2,000 worth of personal items. She arrived at the police station with an attorney and turned herself in. Her court date is March 25 at the Skokie branch of the Cook County courts.

Women suspected of stealing more than $600 worth of beauty items

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On Feb. 14 before noon, the manager of a retail store in the 5700 block of Touhy Avenue told police she believes two women in their 30s robbed her store. She said they entered and had shopping bags on the same wrist as their purses, walked around the store placing items in the shopping bags, and then blending into the crowd of other customers, according to the report. The manager said she has seen the first woman before, and that merchandise seems to be missing each time she comes into the store. 

On Feb. 14, the manager suspects the two women took about $595.00 worth of perfume, lotion, lip gloss, soap and creams, police said. She did not observe them taking items and could not immediately locate video footage, but said she did not sell the missing items, according to the report. Police advised her to contact them if she locates surveillance footage, and made a report.

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Information is taken from Niles Police Department reports.

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