Chicago woman charged in financial theft from chemical company

Former general manager stole more than $2 million

 

The former General Manager of a local chemical company has been charged with stealing more than $2 million from the company, even allegedly 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, appeared in bond court today charged with Theft of Property exceeding $1 million (Class X felony).

According to prosecutors, Barth was employed by Kraft Chemical Corporation in Melrose Park as the General Manager from April, 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, 2006 and April, 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.

Barth appeared in bond court before Judge Laura Sullivan who set bond at $200,000.  Barth’s next court date is May 16 at the Leighton Criminal Courts Building in Chicago.

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.