Human Services caseworker pleads guilty to theft charges

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. (AP) - A former Illinois Department of Human Services caseworker has pleaded guilty to charges she stole nearly $160,000 in public assistance for needy families.

Amy J. Mueller of Highland was charged in Madison County with multiple felonies, including aggravated identity theft and official misconduct. The Belleville News-Democrat reports (http://bit.ly/290xA2d) the 40-year-old Mueller pleaded guilty Monday to aggravated identity theft. Madison County Circuit Judge Kyle Napp sentenced her to four years in prison and ordered her to pay $30,000 in restitution.

The Illinois attorney general's office alleged Mueller created fake benefit accounts using personal information of clients at the Madison County Family Community Resource Center. She allegedly used the money on vacations, restaurant visits, massages and tanning sessions.

Mueller worked for the state agency from 1998 to 2015.