Former teller charged in theft from DuPage nonprofit

A former teller at a credit union for DuPage County government workers is free on bond after being charged with stealing $3,000 from the nonprofit agency, authorities announced Friday.

Hermila Garcia, 33, of the 1600 block of Alison Drive in Elgin, is accused of taking the money from the DuPage County Employees Credit Union in Wheaton in June and July. She had been employed there about seven years.

“It is troubling any time a trusted employee is accused of wrongdoing,” State’s Attorney Robert Berlin said. “This case, however, is particularly disturbing because it alleges that Ms. Garcia stole thousands of dollars from her co-workers, the employees of DuPage County.”

The credit union, which offers loans and other financial services to county workers, is a self-sustaining nonprofit agency and is not funded by the county, state’s attorney spokesman Paul Darrah said. Prosecutors said Garcia pilfered from her drawer and filled out paperwork indicating she had deposited the stolen funds in the vault. The alleged thefts were uncovered during an audit.

Berlin said it appeared to be an isolated incident, adding the agency has served county employees “extremely well for nearly 60 years.”

Garcia faces felony charges of theft over $500, financial institution fraud and misappropriation of financial institution property. She was arrested Thursday and released on a $2,500 bond.