Authorities: Woman to pay restitution in Grayslake PTO theft
A former Grayslake parent teacher organization member accused of theft will pay $10,000 in restitution to the organization she is alleged to have stolen from, authorities said Thursday.
Elizabeth S. Bako, 41, agreed to pay the money in front of Lake County Judge Victoria Rossetti, a move that comes one month to the day before her trial is expected to begin at the Lake County courthouse, defense attorney Christopher Lombardo said.
Lombardo also said Bako is expected to return to court Dec. 19 — after the restitution is paid — and he “anticipates” a negotiated settlement to the case.
Lombardo and Assistant State’s Attorney Scott Turk would not discuss the details of the plea deal.
Bako, of the 300 block of Woodland Drive in Grayslake, faces two counts of felony theft and two counts of using a debit card with intent to defraud after authorities allege she knowingly obtained unauthorized control of between $10,000 and $100,000 from the Frederick School PTO from April 2011 to May 2012.
The school serves students in grades 5 and 6 in Grayslake.
Charges also allege Bako took more than $150 from a debit card assigned to the PTO between July 1, 2011 and May 31, 2012.
If found guilty at trial of the most serious theft charge, Bako could spend up to 7 years in prison.
She did not comment following Thursday’s hearing.