Cops: South Elgin man stole debit card for online love

A South Elgin man has been charged with using someone else's debit card to find love in cyberspace, police said.

Authorities say Raul M. Leal, 37, of the 1200 block of Raymond Street, charged dating services from mate1.com, which bills itself as an “intimate dating” site, matching singles seeking short or long-term relationships.

The Elgin cardholder noticed one of the unauthorized transactions on a September bank statement that led police to several others in February, April and May, said Elgin police spokeswoman Sue Olafson.

The investigation culminated with Leal's arrest Tuesday, she said.

Meanwhile, there is a question as to how much Leal actually spent on the website.

Police say Leal rang up $650 in fees on the site, but charging documents say he spent less than $300.

Kane County Judge Bruce Lester set Leal's bail at $3,000 and Leal is scheduled to appear Dec. 18 at the Kane County Judicial Center.

Unlawful use of a credit card is a Class 4 felony with a maximum punishment of three years in prison.