Round Lake Beach woman admits theft

A Round Lake Beach woman faces up to seven years in prison after admitting Monday she stole $215,000 while working as the manager of a storage facility.

Elaine Tipler, 63, of the 600 block of Hillside Drive, pleaded guilty to felony theft during a hearing before Lake County Circuit Judge James Booras.

Assistant State's Attorney Tim Niehus said Tipler was the manager of Anchor Storage in Beach Park from January 2006 until she was fired in March 2009.

In that job, she was responsible for all the money that came into the business, Niehus said, and was required to account for the funds and make bank deposit.

In early 2009, Niehus said, the owner of the business became concerned about cash flow and commissioned an audit of the business' books.

The auditor discovered $215,000 was missing, Niehus said, and Tipler was fired after she admitted she had taken the money.

Tipler told the business owner she had spent the money in Wisconsin casinos, Niehus said, and she was arrested after an investigation by Lake County sheriff's police.

Booras told Tipler that in addition to the possible prison sentence, she is eligible for probation and local jail time under the terms of her guilty plea.

A sentencing hearing is set for Aug. 23.