Streamwood bookkeeper charged with embezzling

Streamwood police have charged the bookkeeper of a landscape architecture firm with theft.

Flora Gilman, 55, of the first block of Brittany Court in South Elgin, was charged Aug. 23. She's suspected of embezzling about $500,000 from her employer.

Police said officials from Clauss Brothers Inc., 360 W. Schaumburg Road, contacted them Aug. 3 after discovering $138,000 missing.

Gilman is believed to have written company checks to her American Express account beginning sometime between 2000 and 2002, Police Cmdr. Randy Hart said.

Hart said Gilman admitted the thefts to authorities.

An investigation continues into how much money is missing overall.

Gilman worked for the firm for 17 years. Hart said she was very remorseful for the alleged thefts.

Bond was set at $50,000 Monday, and Gilman posted the required 10 percent to leave custody according to Cook County jail records. Her next court date is Sept. 21.