Chicago woman sentenced to 6 years in Financial Theft from chemical company
Former general manager stole more than $2 million
The former general manager of a suburban chemical company was sentenced to six years in prison today and ordered to pay restitution for the theft of more than $2 million from the company, even using some of the stolen proceeds to pay for remodeling projects at her home, according to the Office of Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez.
Kathleen Barth, 56, of the 1700 block of North Rutherford, Chicago, pled guilty today to Theft of Property Exceeding $1 million. Cook County Circuit Court Judge Mauricio Arajho sentenced Barth to six years in prison and ordered her to pay $1.5 million in restitution.
According to prosecutors, Barth was employed by Kraft Chemical Corporation in Melrose Park as the General Manager from April of 2005 through 2012. As General Manager, Barth was entrusted with complete control of all financial matters for the company, including payroll, accounts receivable and accounts payable.
Between May of 2006 and April of 2012, Barth is alleged to have stolen more than $2.1 million by fraudulently increasing her salary and giving herself unauthorized bonuses and commission checks. She also wrote checks on the company account to herself and electronically transferred funds from the company checking account into her personal checking account. Barth also wrote company checks to pay contractors who were remodeling her house.
State’s Attorney Alvarez thanked Assistant State’s Attorneys John Carey and Paul Kiefer for their work in this case.
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