Wood Dale serial embezzler gets 7 years in prison

Less than a year after she received probation for embezzling from a Gurnee bank, Raimonda Uva was back at it again — this time fleecing an elderly Bloomingdale business owner.

DuPage County Judge Robert Kleeman called that timeline “extremely aggravating” Wednesday as he sentenced the former bookkeeper to seven years in prison.

“She knew exactly what she was doing, and she knew the consequences,” Kleeman said. “She couldn't even wait until probation was finished.”

Uva, 37, of Wood Dale, had faced up to 15 years after pleading guilty in April to felony charges of theft and financial exploitation of an elderly person.

She admitted stealing about $107,000 from a Bloomingdale man, now 76, who hired her to keep the books at his heating and air conditioning company for three years, ending in June 2008. During that same time frame, she admitted she pilfered another $13,000 from a widowed mother of five from Oak Brook, who hired her for in-home bookkeeping services.

Uva transferred funds from her victims' accounts to her own credit cards while racking up charges for flowers, Tiffany jewelry, manicures, cigarettes and trips to casinos, Assistant State's Attorney Helen Kapas said. She said Uva also defrauded the state of Illinois by collecting unemployment benefits while employed by her victims.

“It's quite the farce,” she told the judge.

Uva sobbed as she asked Kleeman for leniency, saying she stole because it “allowed me to buy things I would not be able to buy,” including gifts that won her the respect and affection of her family. She said she since has become active in her church and sought counseling.

“I am beyond ashamed for what I have done,” she said. “It will haunt me forever.”

In 2004, Uva pleaded guilty in Lake County court to forgery charges alleging she pilfered thousands of dollars while working as a loan officer and branch manager at a Gurnee bank.

Prosecutors said that scheme involved altering mortgage documents so Uva would receive additional commission, changing settlement statements and collecting unnecessary fees.

By law, Uva must serve at least 3½ years in prison. Kleeman also ordered her to pay the Bloomingdale business owner full restitution.

Prosecutors said all other victims were reimbursed, although there are civil cases still pending against Uva.