Worker accused in $1 million theft

An employee at a Lincolnshire business stole more than $1 million worth of electronic equipment by faking purchase orders over three years, police said Thursday.

Jason D. Zamet, 37, of 3506 Braberry Lane, Prairie Grove, was charged with felony theft. If convicted, he faces a maximum 15 years in prison, authorities said.

Zamet was arrested Oct. 10 at his home. Officials with his employer, Mitsubishi Lithographic Press, had earlier notified police they suspected Zamet was stealing from the company, police investigator Adam Hyde said.

Zamet, who worked in the company's information technology department, submitted legitimate purchase orders, received approval but then altered them, police said. He would then take the equipment when it arrived and sell it privately, police said.

All purchases came from the same vendor, Hyde said.

Authorities believe Zamet was working alone.

Hyde said police aren't sure why he committed the thefts -- that remains under investigation.

No money has been recovered, Hyde said, although some of the merchandise has been recovered.

Zamet was released from police custody the day he was arrested after he posted 10 percent of a $100,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in court Monday.