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Elgin caregiver accused of identity theft of Barrington woman

An Elgin woman was charged with stealing from a resident of The Garlands of Barrington, authorities said.

Vanessa Williams, 35, was charged with theft and aggravated identity theft for using the victim's debit card without authorization from April 25 to July 27, said Cynthia Vargas, spokeswoman for the Lake County State's Attorney's Office.

Williams remains free of jail after posting the required 10 percent of her $5,000 bail, Vargas said.

Authorities said Williams withdrew about $7,800 from the victim's bank account while serving as her caregiver during the three-month period, Vargas said.

Williams could be sentenced to 3 to 7 years in prison if found guilty of identity theft at trial, Vargas said. The sentence for felony theft is 2 to 5 years.

Williams is due back in court Aug. 26 for a preliminary hearing, Vargas said.

Liana Allison, a spokeswoman for the Garlands, said Williams was working for the victim as an independent contractor and was not employed by the Garlands.

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