Woodridge woman pleads guilty to law firm theft

A Woodridge woman has admitted to stealing more than $550,000 while working as a secretary at a Downers Grove law firm, prosecutors announced Thursday.

Mary Marra, 44, of 3014 63rd Street, pleaded guilty Thursday to two counts of felony theft in excess of $100,000 and one count of felony continuing financial crimes enterprise.

Prosecutors said in a written statment that Marra deposited unauthorized checks into her bank account and forged her former employer's signature from December 2002 to February 2008. Marra also wrote herself checks from the estate of one of the law firm's clients as part of the scheme, which unraveled when the bank notified the company of an overdraft. An internal company audit then found discrepancies in the company's books.

Marra formally was charged in May 2009. She has since been free on a $100,000 bond. Authorities said she will remain out on bond until she is sentenced. To date, she has paid back about $100,000.

While all the charges are probationable, Marra could be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison. Her next court appearance is scheduled for July 27.