Bensenville trustee charged with retail theft

A Bensenville village trustee is facing misdemeanor retail theft charges from a preholiday trip to a Villa Park Wal-Mart.

According to court records, Susan Janowiak, 61, of the 1000 block of West Donna Lane, is accused of shoplifting gift bags, gift cards, jeans, wreaths and gift boxes, totaling less than $300, around 10:50 a.m. on Dec. 11.

Janowiak, who also has served as village clerk and president of the Bensenville Park District, is free after posting $150 bail at the Villa Park Police Department.

Neither Janowiak nor Bensenville Village President Frank Soto could be reached Wednesday.

Authorities said Janowiak went through the check-out process and paid for several items in the basket portion of her cart, but did not pay for items in the lower portion of her cart before attempting to leave the store.

Janowiak's first court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 13.